When it comes to fourteeners, Colorado offers its recreation-loving residents a wealth of options — 53 of them, to be precise. Problem is, the ones closest to urban areas such as Denver can actually be fairly crowded, particularly during peak summer periods, while others may not be the right fit for the typical hiker and are often long distances away. That's why Mt. Belford, a 14,197-footer in the Sawatch range, is such a great option. The climb is long enough to justify the approximately seven-hour round-trip commute from Denver, and its switchbacks make the adventure challenging but not so difficult that it feels like a scene from Free Solo. On top of that, the view from the summit is positively breathtaking, and because there's a ridge to another nearby fourteener, Mt. Oxford, visitors have the chance for a second hike. Which they should take.
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