This Challenging, 16.4-Mile Loop Trail In Colorado Offers Extraordinary Views

If you're a hardcore hiker, then you know that Colorado has some of the very best hikes in the nation. You probably also know that the Collegiate Peaks Range offers some of the very best hikes in Colorado! Anyone who is looking for an incredible Colorado hike with spectacular and unforgettable views will love the Missouri, Belford, and Oxford Mountains Loop in the Collegiate Peaks Wilderness. We not only think that it's the best hike near Granite, Colorado, but we consider it to be one of the very best hikes in the whole entire state. It's certainly not easy, though - at 16.4 miles in length and comes with a whopping 7,286 feet of elevation gain, this hike is recommended only for very fit people and very experienced hikers. If those terms describe you, read on and start planning your trip. As for everyone else, well, you can read on anyway and you can enjoy the photos below, at the very least!

Your big adventure on this challenging hike will begin at the Missouri Gulch Trailhead. It's about ten miles west of Granite on County Road 390.

Make sure you are prepared for this long and intense hike. You'll want to dress in layers. Wear appropriate footwear and bring plenty of water and snacks.

Today, you'll summit three HUGE mountains. If you follow the loop counter clockwise - staying left when the trail splits - you'll tackle Mount Oxford first. It's 14,131' at the top and it's the biggest of the three mountains you'll climb today - although only by a little bit.

The second mountain you'll climb is Mount Belford. It's 14,144' at the top.

Missouri Mountain is the third mountain you'll summit on this hike. It's 13933'. It's almost a 14er, but not quite.

All along this hike, you'll see incredible views. Below the treeline, you'll walk through lush coniferous forests.

This hike is beautiful at any time of the year, but due to the potential for snow and ice at the higher elevations, it's best to take it on between June and September.

Luckily, once you get to the top of Mount Belford, you stay above 12,000' until you start to come down from Missouri Mountain, so it's fairly "easy" to get to the top of three different high peaks on this hike.

And, the parking lot at Missouri Gulch Trailhead is at 9,658' so it's not like you're starting at sea level, nor even at the mile-high elevation in Denver. Don't be fooled, though - this is still a very, very difficult and exhausting hike.

The views from the top are worth the effort, though. You can see for miles and miles.

This is sure to be a hike that you'll never forget!

This hike is amazing! It's easy to see why so many people choose to undertake this grueling challenge - the views you'll get at the tops of these mountains makes the effort well worth it. This hike will take you all day so be sure to start early so you can finish up before dark. Bring your camera, because you'll want to take lots of photos, and make sure you're well-rested and otherwise prepared. This hike is one that you'll remember for the rest of your life. Have fun and be safe!

Do you need to stock up on hiking supplies before you go? There's no better place to do so than at Colorado-based REI.com. Check it out!