Mount Belford Hike

Route Description for Mount Belford Hike

The Mount Belford Hike is a demanding adventure through the Sawatch Mountain Range that reveals sweeping vistas of the snow-capped mountain ranges. This amazing adventure is a great option for intrepid spirits seeking to tackle a challenge. Traveling to high elevations, make sure you are acclimated to the area’s altitude before your climb. Additionally, check the forecast prior to your excursion and summit before noon to mitigate the chances of getting caught in an afternoon storm. When hiking in the winter and fall, strap on a pair of microspikes and consider trekking poles to safely navigate the likely icy and snow-packed terrain.

Embark on your adventure along the Mount Belford Hike from the Missouri Gulch Trailhead. From here, follow the Missouri Gulch Trail through the forestlands. Enjoy the tree shade because shortly after your departure, the path will become increasingly exposed. Hike up the path and enjoy the sights of the flanking cliffs that encompass you. Eventually, you will encounter an intersection. Here, keep left and you will be diverted onto the Mount Belford Trail. This segment of the route will become increasingly steep and technical as you near the summit. Mind your footing on the vertiginous terrain and soon you will summit Mount Belford.

From atop the summit of the Colorado 14er, you will be rewarded with panoramic vistas of the surrounding snow-dusted Sawatch Mountain Range peaks. Appreciate the grandeur of Colorado’s wilderness, and when you are ready, retrace your footing along the path back to the trailhead.