Afternoon storm risk is the line that matters. Everything else is comfort. In summer, plan to be off the ridge before the build-up starts, not as it starts. Forecast for the summit point, adjusted for its elevation · data from Open-Meteo.
Combo route · Via Mount Belford
Overview
This route adds Mount Oxford to a climb of Mount Belford. You first reach Belford's summit from Missouri Gulch by one of its usual routes. Then you drop east along a ridge to a saddle at 13,500 feet and walk up to Oxford. To get home, you must climb back over Belford, since there is no shortcut out.
It is Class 2 the whole way, on trail. It suits fit hikers who want two 14ers in one day and can handle a big effort. The side trip from Belford to Oxford and back adds about 3 miles and nearly 1,500 feet of climbing. The full day is about 11 miles with about 5,900 feet of gain.
Plan on 9 to 12 hours car to car. You are above treeline for a long time, so weather is the main concern.
Plan of the day
Start by
By 5 a.m. You need time to reach Belford, do the traverse, and climb back over Belford before storms.
Turnaround
If you are not on Belford's summit by about 9:30 a.m., skip Oxford. Once at the saddle, remember you still have to climb back up about 700 feet to Belford.
Crux
The return climb from the saddle back up to Belford's summit, when you are already tired.
Route-finding
Easy. There is a trail all the way. Soon after Belford's summit, and before you drop below 14,000 feet, go left onto the east ridge. Do not follow the other trail toward Elkhead Pass.
Water
Streams in the lower part of Missouri Gulch. None on the ridges. Carry 3 liters or more.
Coming from Leadville, go south on U.S. 24 for about 20 miles, then right on Chaffee County Road 390. Coming from Buena Vista, go north on U.S. 24 for about 14.5 miles, then left on that road.
Follow County Road 390 for about 7.5 miles until you see the Missouri Gulch trailhead sign. Go left and down into the large lot. There are restrooms. The dirt road is fine for most cars.
Trail in the treesRidgeExposed to lightning
The line is elevation, the band underneath is the ground, and the numbered dots match the steps below. Mileage and elevations are approximate.
1
Missouri Gulch trailhead 9,650' · 0 mi
Start up the Missouri Gulch trail. It climbs through the forest on switchbacks.
2
Upper Missouri Gulch 11,300' · 2 mi
Leave the trees and follow the trail up the gulch toward Mount Belford.
Watch for: From here on you are above treeline and exposed to storms.
3
Belford's upper slopes 13,000' · 3.2 mi
Reach Belford's summit by either its Northwest Ridge route or its Southwest Slopes route. Both are Class 2 trails.
4
Summit of Mount Belford 14,202' · 4 mi
Reach Belford's top. Oxford lies about 1.5 miles east, and you can see most of the ridge that joins them.
Watch for: Decide here if you have the time, energy and weather for Oxford.
5
Turn onto the east ridge 14,050' · 4.25 mi
Head southeast from the summit on the trail. Go about a quarter mile, then, before dropping below 14,000 feet, head left onto Belford's east ridge.
Watch for: Do not take the trail toward Elkhead Pass. Stay on the path to Oxford.
6
Belford and Oxford saddle 13,500' · 4.8 mi
The trail winds down the ridge through the rocks and reaches a 13,500-foot saddle.
7
Oxford's southwest ridge 14,000' · 5.3 mi
Cross the saddle and climb Oxford's gentle ridge. Near 14,000 feet the summit comes back into view.
8
Summit of Mount Oxford 14,153' · 5.5 mi
Climb a final short pitch and walk over rocky ground to the top.
Getting down
Go back the way you came. Walk down to the saddle, then climb back up the east ridge to Belford's summit, about 700 feet of gain. From Belford, take either the Northwest Ridge route or the Southwest Slopes route down to Missouri Gulch, and follow the trail back down through the forest to the car. There is no other trail or shortcut to the trailhead without going back over Belford.
If things go wrong
Before the traverse, the best bail is to skip Oxford and head down from Belford. Between the two peaks, the only way home is back over Belford. If a storm comes in while you are on Oxford or at the saddle, move quickly back toward Belford and down, and stay off the high points during lightning. Call 911 if someone is hurt.
Other routes
Every way up Mount Belford we list, with its class.
This describes the route in its usual season. Distances and elevations are close estimates for planning. Snow, ice, rockfall, a washed-out road or an afternoon storm can make it a very different climb. Check recent conditions the week you go and turn around when the day tells you to.
