Hiking Mount Belford in the Fall: Snow, Switchbacks, and Solitude

Mount Belford (14,202 ft) is one of Colorado’s most well-known 14ers, tucked away in the beautiful Missouri Gulch near Buena Vista. Most hikers tackle Belford during the summer months, but heading up in the fall offers a completely different experience: golden aspens, early snow, and a taste of the solitude you won’t often find during peak season.

The Trailhead: Missouri Gulch

The hike begins in Missouri Gulch, and honestly, the beauty of this area can’t be overstated. In late September, golden aspens light up the valley, framed by rugged, snow-capped peaks. As I started up the trail, I could hear the mountains themselves shifting — small rockslides echoing through the gulch, a reminder that this landscape is always alive and changing.

The Climb: Relentless Switchbacks

To reach the summit of Mount Belford via the Northwest Ridge, you gain about 4,500 feet of elevation from the trailhead — with 2,300 feet of it coming in a steep series of relentless switchbacks. It’s a grind, and with snow covering sections of trail, every step demanded focus.

On the ascent, I didn’t need traction, but I knew the descent would be a different story. Sure enough, on the way down microspikes became essential. This time of year, you never know how conditions will shift from one hour to the next.

The Seasonal Transition

What stood out most on this hike was how transitional the mountain felt. One moment I was peeling off layers under the sun, and the next I was bundling up again as the wind funneled through the gulch. That constant cycle of adding and shedding layers is just part of shoulder-season hiking in Colorado.

And while altitude and traction were the main concerns on this day, I know that in just a few weeks Belford will enter its full winter state. At that point, avalanche risk becomes a major factor. It’s a reminder of how quickly conditions shift in the Rockies, and how important it is to be prepared.

Solitude in the Snow

Because of the poor conditions, only three of us were on the mountain all day. For many, that might sound lonely — but for me, it’s exactly why I love hiking this time of year. When the trail is quiet, when the wind howls and snow shifts under your boots, the mountain feels more alive. And when the mountain feels alive, so do I.

Gear I Used on Mount Belford

The 10 Essentials

No matter the season, I always carry the 10 Essentials on every hike. These are the must-have items that can keep you safe if conditions change or something goes wrong. If you’re not familiar with what they are (and why they’re so important), check out my full guide HERE

Clothing & Layers

• Base Layers: Moisture-wicking top and bottom for managing sweat in changing temps

• Pants: Durable hiking pants that allow layering underneath

• Mid Layers: Warm fleece and Puffer Jacket for insulation

• Outer Layer: Waterproof hardshell for wind, snow, and rain protection

• Boots: Supportive hiking boots with strong traction

• Spikes: Microspikes for icy sections on the descent

• Hat

• Smith Optics Embark Glacier Glasses glasses that change with brightness

Camera Gear

• Sony A7 IV – my main camera for capturing high-quality stills and video

• Tamron 20-40mm f/2.8 lens

• DJI Action 5 – compact action cam perfect for trail shots and quick clips

• Neewer LT32 Tripod – lightweight tripod for stable shots in tough terrain

• DJI Mic Mini – wireless mic for clear audio, even in windy alpine conditions

trail takeaway

Hiking Mount Belford in the fall isn’t easy. The switchbacks are brutal, the weather is unpredictable, and the trail demands preparation — from traction devices to layers to knowing when to turn back. But the reward? Golden aspens, fresh snow, and the kind of solitude that makes every step worth it.

If you’re planning to climb Belford outside of the summer season, go in prepared, respect the conditions, and embrace the wildness of the mountain.