Mt. Belford

My last 14er of the season (#15 total) was Mt. Belford in the Collegiate Peaks Wilderness. The Northwest Ridge approach is a Class 2 hike that gains 4,500' over 8 miles.

I left Denver at 2am last Tuesday, making the well-traveled 2.5 hour drive west, 20 miles south of Leadville. This was my second time to the Missouri Gulch trailhead, the first being my climb to Missouri Mountain a few weeks earlier.

From the parking area (9,650' with temps in the high 30s), I started down the Missouri Gulch Trail at 5am. The first part of the trail through steep forest was all too familiar (even in the dark) up until the trail junction at 11,600'. The path to Missouri continues to the right while the Mt. Belford Trail turns left. Looking up at Belford, the amount of work ahead is obvious: 2,300' gain up to the ridge.

Fortunately, the trail is solid all the way to the summit. Switchbacks ease the steep incline.

From a flat spot near 13,900', the summit is not far away though not yet visible.

The final steep section eventually eases towards the summit.

A rugged, yellow rock forms the summit block of Mt. Belford at 14,197'. The spectacular vistas of the Sawatch Range include neighbor 14ers, Missouri Mountain and Mt. Oxford.

Mt. Oxford, would have been a relatively easy addition to my hike (extra 3 miles over 1,300'). However, I ultimately decided against it due to weather. With 10-15 mph winds and storms in the forecast--and having been caught in a brief but strong rainfall at treeline--I could not justify the risk. I was also the only person on the summit at the time. So I snapped my photos, bid a "catch ya next time" to Mt. Oxford, and headed back down the mountain.

The temperature had warmed to the low 50s, but the fast-moving clouds remained ominous. Nevertheless, I passed a few hikers on their ascent as I retreated to the safety of treeline. To my surprise, the aspen trees had already begun (though just barely) their annual transformation to gold.









I arrived back at the trailhead at 11am, for a speedy 6-hour round trip. My heart sank on the drive home as I considered the very real possibility that this would be my final drive home through my beloved mountains...

Mt. Massive

At last, my fourteenth 14er! The victim? Mt. Massive. Located in the Sawatch Range just south of Leadville, the second highest mountain in Colorado is just 12' shorter than its neighbor, Mt. Elbert. While the East Slopes approach is more common, I opted for the shorter (and steeper) route via the Southwest Slopes. This Class 2 hike covers 3950' over 7.25 miles. Unfortunately, Little Red couldn't make it all the way to the N. Halfmoon Creek trailhead on the 4WD road, which added an extra 2.5 miles each way.

Jake and I left Denver at 2am on Wednesday, taking the familiar I-70 Corridor 2.5 hours west. We layered up and set off at 5am (temps in the high 30s). After the unexpected 2.5-mile walk along the road, we arrived at the trailhead at last. Up next was another mile of easy trail through the forest. We switched off our headlamps as we entered a meadow.

Turing right at the trail junction (11,200'), we began the ascent, climbing first through a large boulder field. Afterwards, the terrain becomes more difficult. The rocky trail zigzags toward the ridge at a steep incline.

Above 14,000', the endless switchbacks get closer together.



Atop the ridge and past the junction with the East Slopes trail, the final push weaves up through the rocks to reach easier terrain on the ridge crest. One false summit and a short drop to a saddle later, and the true summit lies ahead at 14,421'.

The uncrowded summit offers stellar alpine views of Mt. Elbert and La Plata Peak (both of which I've completed!). Slightly hazy from the fires, the panoramas were nevertheless breathtaking.


























With comfortable temperatures in the low 50s and mild wind, I could hardly complain about the weather. A mix of clouds also added an extra dimension to the scenery.

Jake and I treaded carefully on the steep descent, finally reaching the car at 2pm--over 12 miles in 9 hours. Needless to say, our dogs were barking. Taking into account the extra mileage (and the fact that this was Jake's first 14er), the route is usually doable in about 6 hours. I would be curious to try the alternate routes to the summit, but for now, mission accomplished!







On August 10th, I lost a very special friend from high school. Sam, just 26 years old, was in his third year of medical school with a promising future ahead. Aside from his many talents, I was always drawn to his kind heart, humility, and sense of humor. I would like to take this moment to honor his memory and wish healing upon his family. Rest easy, Sam.

La Plata Peak

Working towards my goal to climb fourteen 14ers, La Plata Peak recently became #13 (also my first solo 14er of the season). I left Denver at 2am on Thursday, driving 2.5 hours southwest to the Collegiate Peaks Wilderness. The trailhead for the northwest ridge route is located along Independence Pass near Twin Lakes (just before Aspen). This Class 2 hike has a total gain of 4,500' over 9.5 miles. Though the approach from the southwest ridge is easier, trailhead access is limited to 4WD vehicles.

I set off from the parking area (elevation 10,000') at 5am--third car in the small lot. After 1/4 mile walk on a dirt road, the trail begins in the woods. Crossing a number of bridges early on, it is easy to miss a turn in the dark. Log and stone steps slightly ease the steep ascent through the forest, as the trail quickly rises above the valley floor and South Fork Lake Creek.

At daybreak, I reached a level clearing in the La Plata Gulch with a pristine view of 13er, Sayres Benchmark.

Above 11,000', the trail begins to climb steeply up a gully with a series of tight switchbacks. A 6'x6' boulder marks a small, level area that many pikas call home. Another steep pitch then leads to the northwest ridge at 12,750'--1.25 miles from the summit.

The trek becomes significantly more challenging once on the ridge (the first half apparently considered to be easy). The remainder of the trail weaves through the rocks on or just below the ridge crest.

At the base of a buttress, the trail turns right and climbs around to the west side of the ridge. This is the most confusing part of the hike because the talus makes route finding difficult. I spent a large chunk of time navigating this section, following sporadic rock cairns as I rock hopped across boulders and scree. 

The trail becomes more defined near 13,800' as it steeply ascends the right edge of the ridge. This final push leads to the peak at 14,336'.

That morning, I was the second person to summit La Plata via the northwest ridge. The absence of wind allowed for a lengthy rest to take in the views. I had the summit to myself for the entire 20-minute break!

On the downhill journey, I passed several groups making the ascent. 

The air heated up just as quickly as the clouds rolled in. 

I returned to a full parking lot at 12pm, clocking seven hours roundtrip. Despite the tricky boulder fields near the top, I appreciated the variety of scenery offered on this hike from start to finish; everything from aspen groves and pine forests to peaceful streams and alpine lakes. Favorite 14er this year!