From the parking area, start by following the Missouri Gulch Trail. Cross the bridge spanning Clear Creek and enter into the forest. After just over 1/4 mile, ascend a series of steep switchbacks. Near 10,400', above the switchbacks, continue southward along Missouri Gulch. At 10,800', turn left and cross the gulch stream to the east side via a makeshift log bridge
1 2. Turn right and hike south through an open area
3 before re-entering the trees to reach the remnants of an old shack
4. Shortly after, exit the forest near 11,300' and follow the trail south in the gulch, gradually approaching Mt. Belford
5.
At 11,600', arrive at a trail junction
. The Elkhead Pass (Missouri Gulch) Trail continues to the right, while the Mt. Belford Trail branches off to the left
6. Turn left and continue southeast toward Belford's northwest ridge
7. Cross a small stream as you approach the base of the ridge
8. Brace yourself! The ridge requires 2,300' of elevation gain, but the trail is well-maintained and includes numerous switchbacks to ease the ascent. Navigate through an initial rocky section
9 before steadily grinding up the ridge
10 11 12 13. Zigzag your way up to roughly 13,800', where the trail shifts right toward a prominent point
14. Continue to a flat spot
at 13,900'. From there, turn left and continue east
15 16. As you near 14,100', the terrain becomes easier, leading you to the summit block
17 18 19.
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