From the parking area, start down the Missouri Gulch Trail. Cross the bridge that spans Clear Creek and continue into the forest. Hike over 1/4 mile and ascend a bunch of switchbacks up through the forest. Leave the switchbacks at 10,400' and continue south along Missouri Gulch. At 10,800', turn left and cross to the east side of Missouri Gulch on a make shift log bridge -
1 and
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. Continue a short distance to exit the forest, near 11,300'. Follow the excellent trail south into the gulch as you gradually approach Belford -
5.
At 11,600', reach a trail junction
. The Elkhead Pass (Missouri Gulch) Trail continues to the right and the Mt. Belford Trail goes left -
6. Turn left and continue southeast toward Belford's northwest ridge -
7. Cross a small stream to reach the base of the ridge -
8. Here it comes! There's 2,300' of elevation gain on this ridge but you'll find the trail is easy to follow, with a lot of switchbacks. Work your way through an initial rocky section (
9) and grind up the ridge -
10,
11,
12 and
13. Zig zag all the way to 13,800' where the trail heads right toward a point -
14. Continue to a flat spot
near 13,900'. Turn left and continue east -
15 and
16. Reach easier terrain near 14,100' and walk over to the summit block
-
17,
18 and
19.