Activities
HIKING
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Mount Oxford is 14,153 feet and is the 27th highest peak in Colorado. Named in 1931 after the tradition of naming the mountains after prestigious colleges (such as nearby Columbia and Harvard), this mountain in in close proximity to two other Fourteeners, Belford and Missouri. Oxford is usually hiked alongside Belford, which both provide beautiful views of the Collegiate Peaks Wilderness.
The Collegiate Peaks Wilderness was established in 1980 to preserve its quality, character, and integrity. It is intended as a place where the imprint of humans is substantially unnoticed; where natural processes are the primary influences and human activity is limited to primitive recreation and minimum tools. This will allows us, and future generations, to experience the Collegiate Peaks Wilderness in its natural condition.
Missouri Gulch Route: 8 miles (roundtrip Belford only) 4,600 feet gain; 10.8 miles (roundtrip Belford and Oxford) 5,900 feet gain
From Leadville, travel south on US 24 to Clear Creek Reservoir, then travel west on Chaffee County Road 390. At eight miles, look for the Missouri Gulch Trailhead sign on the south side of the road and park here. From the trailhead, follow the Missouri Gulch Trail for two miles. Then follow the trail for Mount Belford to the summit. From the summit of Belford follow the climbers trail northeast along the ridge to Mount Oxford. Return along the same route.
For more information, refer to the Mount Belford and Oxford information sheet.
