Summary
Climb two fourteeners in the heart of the Sawatch range in one hike. A steep slog that may feel like a death march at times, with nearly 6,000 feet in elevation gain in one day. Amazing views at the top of both reward the hardy.
Location
Near Buena Vista
Hike
A pre-dawn start is essential if you plan to climb both peaks and beat the afternoon thunderstorms. Starting at 9,650 feet, the trail enters the Collegiate Peaks Wilderness and wakes you up with a series of seemingly-endless switchbacks. The trail mellows as you climb into the scenic basin. Turn left at the sign for Mount Belford 2 miles in and follow the easily visible trail up the peak's northwest ridge, to 14,197 feet. From the summit, 14,153-foot Mount Oxford looms to the east. If you have the energy and the weather is good, proceed south from the top of Belford and down a steep ridge towards Oxford. Keep in mind you will have to reclimb all 700 feet and it will be about 2 hours round-trip, so don't let summit fever cloud your judgement about turning back. From the saddle, it is a gentle climb up Oxford, though climbing back to Belford's summit may leave you cursing. Backtrack over Belford's summit, or, for a variation, take the slightly longer trail from south of Belford's summit down through Missouri Gulch, though you will have to cross a creek several times. Plan on spending at least eight hours on the trail.
To get there
Take U.S. Highway 24 west and turn left where it joins U.S. Highway 285 in Park County. In Buena Vista, turn right where 24 goes north, and 15 miles north of town, turn left onto Chaffee County Road 390. The dirt road is good, though wash boarded in many spots, and a passenger car can make it to the Missouri Gulch trailhead 7.5 miles in.
Trip Log
10.4 miles (if you summit both), 5,800-foot elevation gain
Details
Free camping is plentiful along County Road 390, though prohibited at the trailhead, and there are several good backcountry spots along the trail, near treeline. Wilderness area regulations limit party size to 15 people and require dogs to be leashed. There are restrooms at the trailhead.
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