Majestic Mount Oxford: A Colorado Gem - Mount Oxford

Majestic Mount Oxford: A Colorado Gem

Mount Oxford8.6/10Hard
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Category

Hiking

Typical Duration

2-4 hours

Difficulty

Hard

Nearby Experts

About This Landmark

Mount Oxford, nestled in the heart of Colorado’s Sawatch Range, offers a captivating experience for adventurers seeking the natural beauty of this rugged landscape. Part of the Collegiate Peaks, Mount Oxford is a prominent fourteener, a term used in the mountaineering community to describe mountains exceeding 14,000 feet in elevation. This peak presents breathtaking vistas and a serene escape for hikers and nature enthusiasts.

The approach to Mount Oxford is often combined with a hike up nearby Mount Belford, creating a challenging but rewarding experience known as the Belford-Oxford Combo. The ridge connecting the two offers sweeping views of the surrounding valleys and peaks, providing an unforgettable panorama. Geologically, the region is a treasure trove of granite formations, shaped over millennia by glacial activity and erosion. During summer months, vibrant wildflowers carpet the alpine meadows, offering bursts of color against the rocky backdrop.

Wildlife is abundant, with sightings of marmots and pikas often delighting visitors. Historically, this area was significant during the Colorado Silver Boom, with remnants of mining activities still visible along certain trails.

Mount Oxford stands out as a testament to nature’s grandeur in Colorado, inviting those equipped for the challenge to embrace its rugged charm and lofty elevations.

Photo Gallery

Majestic Mount Oxford: A Colorado Gem - Mount Oxford

Majestic Mount Oxford: A Colorado Gem - Mount Oxford

Majestic Mount Oxford: A Colorado Gem - Mount Oxford
Majestic Mount Oxford: A Colorado Gem - Mount Oxford
Majestic Mount Oxford: A Colorado Gem - Mount Oxford

Majestic Mount Oxford: A Colorado Gem

Adventure Guide To Mount Oxford

Hiking the Belford-Oxford Combo

  • Location: Mount Oxford and Mount Belford, Colorado
  • Special Features: The trail connecting these peaks offers a vigorous hike with impressive aerial views.
  • Visitor Tips:
    • Best Times: Late June through September are ideal for accessibility and mild weather.
    • What to Bring: Water, layers of clothing for changing weather, and a camera.
    • Directions: From Buena Vista, head west on Cottonwood Pass Road, turning onto the trailhead leading to Missouri Gulch (approx. 1.5 hours).

Wildlife Watching

  • Location: Sawatch Range, near Mount Oxford
  • Special Features: Abundant sightings of alpine wildlife such as marmots and pikas.
  • Visitor Tips:
    • Best Times: Early morning or late afternoon for wildlife activity.
    • What to Bring: Binoculars for distant views, and a field guide for species identification.

Photography Expeditions

  • Location: Throughout the Collegiate Peaks Wilderness
  • Special Features: Dramatic landscapes and vibrant wildflowers.
  • Visitor Tips:
    • Best Times: Early summer for wildflowers, late afternoon for picturesque lighting.
    • What to Bring: A DSLR camera, wide-angle lens, and tripod for stability.

Location

Majestic Mount Oxford: A Colorado Gem in Mount Oxford

Coordinates: 38.9647, -106.3389

Ratings

Overall

8.6/10User rating

Photography

8.0/10Scenic value

Reviews

Featured Activities

Primary Activity

Hiking

Also Great For

Wildlife Watching
Photography

Essential Information

Nearby City

Buena Vista, Colorado

Protected Areas

Collegiate Peaks Wilderness, San Isabel National Forest

Experience Level

Hard

Experience Needed: This natural landmark is recommended for those with significant outdoor experience. Best for experienced adventurers.

Nearby Adventures