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Mt. Belford Climbing

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Mt. Belford Falls T WI2-3

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GPS:	39.25143, -106.2953 Google Map · Climbing Area Map
Page Views:	4,384 total · 17/month
Shared By:	Eric Chrisman on Dec 22, 2002
Admins:	Leo Paik, John McNamee, Frances Fierst, Monty, Monomaniac, Tyler KC Page Updates (admin only)

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Description

This is an interesting set of bits of low-end difficulty ice that can make for an interesting day for the exploring types, but it is certainly not for those in pursuit of a pump nor a number grade. There is nothing vertical here. For those from Leadville, it is a longer walk but better quality than Chalk Creek though probably technically easier. For those from Denver, it is a long haul. At least 2.5 hours in the car each way plus an hour-ish approach for those unfamiliar. It is probably akin to a souped-up version of Silverplume or Clear Creek's main drainage. Be ready for a cold and wet.

Getting There

From Salida/Buena Vista, drive N from Buena Vista about 11 miles N on Hwy 24 to Clear Creek Canyon Rd/FR 390 (which goes to Vicksburg). Head W on this dirt road for 5.7 miles to a clearing. At one point, the road veers R and uphill instead of descending into a ranch.

From Denver, drive W on I-70 to Copper Mt, exit S on CO Hwy 91. Pass over Fremont Pass (11,318'), descend into Leadville. Drive slowly through town. Go 14.4 miles past CO Hwy 82. Drive another 4.3 miles to Clear Creek Canyon Rd/FR 390. Head W on this dirt road for 5.7 miles to this same clearing. Spy some of these bits of ice peering from trees on a N-facing drainage (I believe this is Belford Gulch) off Mt. Belford about 800-1000 feet up. There may be bits of other ice in the area. You might consider going elsewhere if there were 6 cars parked here already.