Follow the
Mt. Belford - Northwest Ridge Route to the summit of Mt. Belford. Oxford is 1.5 miles to the east and the connecting ridge between Belford and Oxford is obvious -
1. What you cannot see from here is that the descent from Belford is more difficult than the hike up to Oxford.
Descend southeast from Belford's summit and follow a trail southeast -
2. After 1/4 mile and still above 14,000', turn left and start down Belford's east ridge, toward the Belford-Oxford saddle -
3. Before the turn, you may see another trail heading toward Elkhead Pass - stay on the trail for Oxford. Begin your descent of the ridge -
4 and
5. Follow the trail toward Oxford as it weaves down through the rocks (
6) to reach the saddle
at 13,500' -
7.
Cross the saddle and begin climbing Oxford's southwest ridge -
8 and
9. Near 14,000', pass a large rock pile -
10. The trail sweeps left before turning right to reach the final pitch -
11. Hike through rocks to reach the top
-
12,
13 and
14.
15 shows the return to Belford, which is the most grueling part of this hike.
Via Mt. Belford
(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.
