The Missouri Gulch trailhead is also one way up Missouri Mountain, as well as Mount Oxford, all 14ers. As the views open up as you enter the gulch, Mount Belford is on the left and Missouri Mountain is on the right. The trail up Belford goes straight up a HUGE slope! You can begin to see the switchbacks up the mountain and you know it's going to be a long slog.

As you make your way up the the slope, at first you cross a very rocky section and some steps. Then you begin the switchbacks. The pain of the grueling ascent is immediately countered by the breathtaking views of Missouri Gulch and Missouri Mountain.

Unfortunately what appears to the the top of Belford from what you see from down in the gulch is really just a false summit. The real summit is further up and to the left. And if you're not aware of this, as I wasn't until I was almost to the false summit, it is a bit deflating. No problem though, once you make the false summit, it's not too bad of a trek over to the real summit.

The views from the summit are amazing as they are from all 14ers. To the East you can see Mount Oxofrd not too far away. Many folks will go for Oxford the same day as Belford since it's so close. In fact, the standard trail for Oxford is up and over Belford. I elected to come back for Oxford another day as it was getting late in the day and I was tired! Just getting to the top of Belford is 4500 feet of gain. To get Oxford means ascending Oxford then re-ascending Belford from the Oxford-Belford saddle. All total that adds 3 more miles and 1300 more feet of gain. Oh well, guess I'll have to get Oxford another way.

The way down was easy going as it's not a huge distance, but just down! Had a great day and really loved Missouri Gulch and Mount Belford.

Hope this has been enjoyable and / or helpful to anyone reading it!!