Mount Oxford via Mount Belford

The route begins and ends at Missouri Gulch Trailhead (9,680'), reaching the summits of Mount Belford (14,202') and Mount Oxford (14,153'). From the trailhead, follow the Missouri Gulch Trail through forest and switchbacks to about 11,600 feet, where the Mount Belford Trail branches left off the Elkhead Pass Trail. Follow it southeast up Belford's northwest ridge, climbing 2,300 vertical feet on well-maintained switchbacks to the summit of Mount Belford, at 4.5 miles. From Belford's summit, descend southeast on the trail; about 0.25 miles out, while still above 14,000 feet, turn left onto Belford's east ridge rather than continuing toward Elkhead Pass. Descend the ridge, weaving through rock, to the Belford-Oxford saddle at 13,500 feet. Cross the saddle and climb Oxford's gentle southwest ridge; as you near 14,000 feet, the summit comes back into view. Continue up a final pitch and across rocky terrain to the summit of Mount Oxford. There is no shortcut back to the trailhead: return by climbing back over Mount Belford and descending its northwest ridge the same way you came up.

Mt. Belford is named for Judge James B. Belford, the "Red-headed Rooster of the Rockies". Mt. Oxford is named after Oxford University, keeping with the prestigious college naming tradition of the "Collegiate Peaks".