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Mt. Belford & Mt. Oxford
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After a short, but steep hike up Huron Peak on Thursday, we went back out on Friday for a longer hike up Mt. Belford and Mt. Oxford. This time we started earlier than usual and were on the trail at 4:45am. To hike the two peaks, you must hike Belford first, then hike 1.5 miles over to Oxford's summit, then return back over Belford. It is a long hike, but the views are absolutely beautiful! The tundra was turning red and we had a beautiful day with just a little wind here and there. One of the best parts of the hike was looking around at other 14ers that we've hiked and ones we were going to hike very soon. The worst part about the hike was the long, steep route out... Hiking off Belford there are around 80 switchbacks above treeline and a bunch more once you get into the trees. It's a trail that seems to go on forever and we were definitely glad we started early and hiked a lot of it in the dark.
 Exiting tree line and looking at the route ahead |
 The trail heads up the slope following tons of switchbacks |
 Up and up we go! |
 Getting close to the saddle below Belford |
 Views to the north |
 The final summit pitch for Mt. Belford |
 Mt. Belford Summit marker |
 Trek enjoying the view |
 Family picture! It was a little windy and chilly. |
 Looking back at Belford's summit as we head to Oxford |
 The ridge trail over to Mt. Oxford |
 On the saddle looking back at Belford |
 Beautiful day! |
 The trail we've hiked from Belford |
 Travis on the last slope to Oxford's summit |
 Beautiful red tundra! |
 Mt. Oxford Summit shot |
 Trek's summit shot |
 Mt. Oxford Summit marker |
 Leaving Oxford's summit |
 Amazing scenery! |
 Headed back over to Mt. Belford |
 Trek resting on the soft tundra |
 View to the west |
 Views to the north of the mountains we'll hike on Sunday |
 Huron peak on the right which we hiked yesterday! |
 Travis almost back to the summit of Belford |
 Trek on the golden rocks of Belford |
 Time to head back down the long route out |
 Travis and Trek taking a quick break |
 Switchbacks - with great views at least |
 Marmots relaxing in the sun |
 Finally back into the trees and another couple miles to go |
 Back at the trailhead! |
 The GPS route for our hike |
 Final Elevation Profile |