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 Reporter |
Summary: From the trailhead cross Clear Creek using a well constructed bridge. The trail then quickly heads up a steep slope using some nicely cut switchbacks. After breaking treeline and entering Missouri Gulch you will come to an intersection that is labeled with a sign. The sign will direct you to your left. The ridge of Belford will be directly ahead of you and this will be your path to the summit. This hike goes through an unbelievable number of switchbacks. However they are much better than the origninal trail that just went straight up. Take the switchbacks all the way up the ridge, pass a false summit until you see the orange colored rock protrusion that comprises the actual summit of Belford. From here you can see the rest of the route to Oxford. Follow the trail South from the summit then turn left on to the connecting ridge. This ridge is longer than it looks. Unfortunately your return trip must follow the trail back over Belford again. Trailhead: From the stoplight in Buena Vista head North on Highway 24 for 15 miles to county road 390 at the Clear Creek Reservoir. Turn West onto county road 390 and go 8 miles to the old town site of Vicksburg. Not much remains of the town, but you will see a parking lot on the left side of the road that is clearly marked and has public restrooms available. (Lat:38.9984 Lon:-106.37564) Trail Guides for Mount Oxford: Colorados Fourteeners by Gerry Roach (Fulcrum Publishing) Dawsons Guide to Colorados Fourteeners Nothern Peaks by Louis Dawson (Blue Cover Press) Best Seasons: Fall, Spring, Summer, User Groups: Hikers, Dogs, Horses, Ranger Contact: San Isabel National Forest 719-553-1400 (main office) Localhikes Reporter: This hike was submitted by Joshua Friesema, who has posted 97 other hikes on this site. To visit this reporters web site, click here. Trail Reviews Submit your own review 
Reviewed by Kim on 8/4/2010 As with all Fourteeners, go prepared with a couple of quarts of water or water filter, light gear for 80 degree heat and windbreaker-fleece layer for the wind and snow at the summit. I recorded the Belford-Oxford hike as 10 miles in 10 hours. Dispersed camping is available up the road farther, below Huron, or across the first stream from the trailhead. I saw many campers violating Forest Service rules, camping less than 100 feet off trail-stream. Save yourself the steep climb to 12,000 feet with all that gear and camp in the valley, around 9,700 feet. Anticipate heavy trail traffic, except in the off-season and weekdays. This is an easy, popular set of Fourteeners. Notice: Traveling in the backcountry can be hazardous. You are responsible for informing yourself about these hazards and taking necessary precautions. Information on this web site comes from volunteer reporters and may contain errors or omissions. A current guidebook and proper equipment are essential for safe enjoyment of the hikes posted on this site. Keys: Colorado Hiking, Colorado Trails, Colorado Hikes, Chaffee County Hiking, Chaffee County Trails, Chaffee County Hikes | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
