MOB Mission: Missouri-Oxford-Belford

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Many people do one or two of these peaks in the same trip, but doing all three takes a certain level of tenacity. The ups and downs of rocky or meadowy miles makes this trail one that you'll not soon forget.

This route is challenging and gets you up three incredible peaks in the Sawatch Range. Start early from the trailhead and head to Missouri first. Know before you go: this route is between 15-20 miles depending on your exact route and over 7,000ft of elevation gain. The best way to know if you are ready for this is to think about what the day will hold: ~16 miles and over 7,000 ft of gain, does that sound fun to you? Does it sound achievable based on your pace and stamina from previous runs at similar elevation? If it does, then go for it; you know what you are capable of better than any measurement or test can.

Doing this loop counterclockwise means you run to Missouri (14,067 feet) first, so you get in a lot of miles quickly before heading to the other two which are closer together. After summiting Missouri (which is a great spot to watch the sunrise) then you'll backtrack a ways until you feel confident cutting across to where the next two peaks are. There is a more difficult trail that cuts across near the ridge, or you can drop lower into the valley, keeping the terrain simpler but making the elevation gain and loss a bit more.

Once you cut across, Oxford is it's own out-and-back over relatively easy running with meadows and some Class 2 rocky sections. The Oxford summit is at 14,153 feet and once you reach it, congratulate yourself on a job well done for your second 14er summit of the day, replenish your body with food and water, and turn back to the saddle, retracing your footsteps until you reach the ridge where Belford resides.

Run along the ridge to Belford (14,197 feet), marveling at the spacious views around you. To your left, you can look way out and see Missouri Mountain, where you started that morning. It looks so far away! Find your way to the summit and all the people. After enjoying your surroundings, begin the long haul back to the car. It starts with plenty of switchbacks among the wildflowers and after dropping into the basin, you'll see where you had split from the trail early that morning.

Continue down through the boulder fields, meadows, and eventually forest. You might rejoice when you reach your rig! But congratulate yourself on an awesome adventure.

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