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Base Camp
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- Statistics:
- Date Hiked: November 27, 2004
- Miles Hiked: 5.9
- Elevation Gain: 2,810'
- Hiking Partner(s): None
- Description:
- This particular hike could just have easily been named "Belford
Attempt". November is the only month in which I haven't hiked
a 14er, and this weekend was going to be my last chance in attempting
one this year, so I drove over to the Sawatch Range to give Mount
Belford a shot. Last year Bierstadt eluded me due to high winds,
cold temperatures, snowfall, and low visibility; Belford did the
same thing to me this November. After seeing the questionable
forecast, I could have played it safe and hit 12er or 13er in the Front
Range just to add a peak to my list. However, I knew if I did that
the weather would have been perfect for my original plans, so I stuck
with Belford and took the risk of not making a summit and just going on
a hike.
- The drive to Leadville (CO) was unnerving. There was ice on the
interstate near Eisenhower Tunnel, and the road over Fremont pass was
less than ideal. Nevertheless, when I pulled off the highway onto
Chaffee County Road 390, there was less than an inch of new snow on the
ground and I could see some of the surrounding peaks. I knew the
temperature was going to be cold, so I added an extra base layer before
leaving and packed an extra fleece in addition to my normal winter
hiking apparel. I had no idea what to expect, so I threw my ice
axe and crampons in my backpack as well.
- I left Denver at 4:00 am and was hiking by 6:40 am. The trail
appeared well used and I decided to strap my snowshoes on my pack and
try and go without to begin the day. This worked well other than
the fact that I now had a few extra pounds on my back. I warmed up
quickly and was having a pleasant hike in the comfort of the trees in
Missouri Gulch. This is a moderately strenuous trail gaining
4,500' in 3.5 miles so the grade is relatively steep and constant from
the beginning. I followed the snowshoe trail up the switchbacks
and was pleasantly surprised to determine that I had gained 1,200' in my
first hour. The snowshoes stayed off although I continued to carry
them not knowing exactly what lay ahead.
- I reached the remnants of an old cabin and continued to just below tree line
where I took another break. I could see that the northwest
shoulder of Belford could be climbed without snowshoes, so I cached them
along with a quart of water and my crampons. Needless to say, this
lightened my load quite a bit and my pack felt almost empty. Upon
leaving the shelter of the last few trees, it seemed as though I had
landed on another planet. The wind picked up considerably and the
spindrift managed to find any open areas of my clothing.
- I decided to press on with my hopes of a November 14er quickly
fading. I at least wanted to gain the shoulder of the peak to make
the hike and drive worthwhile. Visibility across the gulch was
quickly diminishing and the snow seemed to be falling more heavily
now. It was at this point when I saw a herd of approximately 40
elk on the west slopes of Peck's Peak. Although Belford is in
sight, there is still much work to do after initially seeing the summit.
- I began climbing the shoulder and was able to follow the trail for the
most part. Unfortunately, I quickly became miserable and wasn't
having much fun. My goggles iced over, my feet were numb, and as
soon as I removed a glove to make adjustments, my hand froze. I
actually felt pretty good physically, but needed to make a decision
because of the weather. I dropped my pack and pulled out my GPS to
see what elevation I was at. I had gained 1,600' from my first
break for a total of about 2,800'. This left me with 1,750' to
make the summit which I knew would take me at least two hours in the
current conditions.
- In the five minutes it took me to check my status, I grew even more
cold and my clothes and pack were frosting over. I didn't think I
had it in me so I submitted to mother nature. Once back at my
stored gear, I managed to crunch away on a rock hard rice crispy bar and
eat a solid stick of beef jerky. The water I left behind had a
half inch of ice in it. I loaded my gear and made my way back to
the trailhead. After reentering the trees, the hike out was
enjoyable and I was glad I made the trip despite not reaching the
summit.
- Maps:
- Click here
to view a 2D
map of the area where this hike is located.
- Photographs:
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