Aug 10
30
Mt Belford Hike
Distance: 8.2
Elevation Gain: 4560′
Starting Elevation: 9,640′
Rating: Difficult
In my opinion, Belford has one of the best views from the top at least in this part of Colorado and rivals views from any
Peak Upon Peak Upon Peak
part of the state. Most people climb Oxford along with Belford and it’s not difficult to bag both of these peaks in one day. Just get an early start. We chose the route up Missouri Gulch trailhead that gains all of it’s elevation in 3.5 miles, so, yes, it’s steep. Make sure you’re wearing sturdy boots and have well rested legs. If you’re thinking about doing this hike or any other fourteener, acclimate to the altitude for a few days first.
The nice thing about this hike is the distance is short so it’s not a long, long slog just a long slog. The Missouri Gulch area is stunning and I’m happy that we came back an alternate route (I wasn’t looking forward to the knee pounding descent) that goes to Elkhead Pass and then down at a gentler rate. Missouri Mountain is dominate in this gulch area and the trail up to the top looks daunting. It is possible to climb Missouri along with Belford and Oxford if you have the energy and determination (it’s about 14.5 miles and over 7,000′ elevation gain). It would most certainly be a very long arduous day.
From the top of Mt Belford we were treated to a 360 degree view of peak upon peak. It was nice to have beautiful weather the entire day so we could take our time and just enjoy our surroundings.
Posted in Advanced Central Colorado Fourteener Twin Lakes by .
Aug 10
29
Kelty Tioga 5500 External Frame Pack
By Karenna Awtry
External frame backpacks are becoming the classic Cadillac sedans of hiking gear: outdated, oversized energy hogs. The new era of backpacks is all about the sleek, streamlined internal frame, but there are still a few diehards who prefer the tried-and-true features of external frame packs.
Thinking “they just don’t make them like the used to,” these backpacking traditionalists cling to their aging packs for dear life. And hey, why not? Many of them still hold up quite well, even if aging backpacks can cause prematurely aging backs.
By Karenna Awtry
The Kelty Trekker 3950 is a throwback in this technology-meets-style era of backpacks. This external frame pack is a classic, having changed very little from its pioneering days for Kelty. The famously tough external frame backpack gets a few modern updates from Kelty in the Trekker. Among them: adjustability and enhanced comfort.
If you are looking for a pack with a lot of frills and high-tech, body-contouring straps, belts and padding, the Trekker 3950 might not be for you.
Aug 10
26
Mt. Elbert Hike
Distance: 10 Miles
Elevation Gain: 5400″
Starting Elevation: 10,450′
Rating: Difficult
This hike is one of Colorado’s 54 official fourteeners and also the second highest peak in the lower 48 states behind Mt. Whitney which is only about 35 feet taller. Elbert has several different approaches and we chose to hike the Black Cloud Trail from the south to reach the summit. This trail started just outside the cabin where we stayed at Mt Elbert Lodge.