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 climb 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. Hike south along the gulch for 1/3 mile until you reach the remnants of an old shack
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2. Continue a short distance to exit the forest, near 11,300'. Follow the excellent trail south into the gulch as you gradually approach Belford -
3.
At 11,600', reach a trail junction
. The Elkhead Pass (Missouri Gulch) Trail continues to the right and the Mt. Belford Trail goes left -
4. Turn left and continue southeast toward the base of Belford's northwest ridge -
5,
6 and
7. Cross a small stream to reach the base of the ridge -
8 and
9. Here it comes! There's 2,300' of elevation gain on this ridge but you'll find the trail is easy to follow and has a lot of switchbacks. Stay on the trail and start climbing. Work your way through an initial rocky section and begin grinding up switchbacks.
10 looks back down on the route. Zig zag all the way to 13,800' where the trail turns right (southwest) toward a point -
11. Continue up to a flat spot
near 13,900'. Turn left and continue east -
12. Reach easier terrain near 14,100' and walk over to the summit block
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13 and
14. Climb up the rugged, yellow rock that forms the summit -
15 and
16.
Northwest Ridge
(WINTER) HOLD ON! If you don't have much high-elevation, winter climbing experience, be careful in your planning and take a partner. All 14er routes are more difficult and more dangerous in winter.
