mt harvard hike

There are 15 14,000 foot peaks in the area. For current mountain conditions contact the Pike & San Isabel National Forest, Leadville Ranger District office, 2015 North Poplar, Leadville, CO 80461, (719)486-0749. Introduction. We summited this peak on August 6. Mt. Located 46 miles northeast of Gunnison Colorado. I suggest reading the route on 14ers.com to know what to expect, but the route is obvious without prep. Mount Harvard Trail is a 14.1 mile heavily trafficked out and back trail located near Buena Vista, Colorado that features a lake and is rated as difficult. Trail was not busy on a Monday. Full day hike. Awesome trail! The founder for the Hundred Peaks Section of the Angeles Chapter of the Sierra Club first hiked this summit in March of 1924 which was the start of his hundred peaks quest. Mt. Princeton Hot Springs Resort after hiking these 14,000′ peaks of the Rocky Mountains. Loved this trail. At 3.8 from the intersection, turn west onto Chaffee County 368 and go 1.2 miles to Chaffee County 368A. Don't follow my recording. It is a work of art. Tossed up a tent and enjoyed the cool breeze and evening air. To summit Mt. The prominent 14,421-foot (4395.6 m) fourteener is the highest summit of the Collegiate Peaks and the fourth highest summit in the contiguous United States. Go .3 miles until you come to Forest Service 386. And their scones… !! Fields of wildflowers and panoramic views of the Collegiate Peaks towering over the Arkansas Valley make every step of this straightforward fourteener a rewarding journey. Leave No Trace practice is mandatory.Remember, you are within the Collegiate Peaks Wilderness. Massive (14,421) and Mt. We were happy to have a group ahead of us show us the way. At 3.0 miles turn sharply south (left) onto Chaffee County 365, which turns west and enters San Isabel National Forest at 5.4 miles. Harvard is tucked away behind Mt. Harvard is the third highest peak in Colorado and only one of the three that rise above 14,400 feet". For example, the Though they escaped electrocution, their efforts were nullified in the 1980s, when the pole was taken down by … Harvard. July and Augus Per USFS , these include;Party size limit is 15 Dogs must be on a leash Camp at least 100 feet from water Organized groups must contact the Forest Service. Harvard's prize is reserved only for us that bother to hike into one of the dramatic basins that line its base. A short climb leads to Bear Lake (12,374-ft.), a starkly beautiful alpine jewel nestled in a rocky bowl beneath the valley’s rugged west ridge. West out of Buena Vista to North Cottonwood Road, then follow this road to its end, to a The scramble for the last 30’ to summit adds the last bit of excitement of an overall great hike. Generally, Mount Harvard … Harvard is the third tallest point in Colorado behind only Mt. The little bouldering problem at the summit is a fun end to the climb up. “ The final stretch of trail from Horn Fork Basin to Mt. Adventure; Hike We Like: Mt. Mt Harvard via Frenchman Creek is a 6.9 mile one way hike with 4,571 feet accumulated elevation gain. Aconcagua mountain itself has many routes, photos, and trip reports as children. You will find the Harvard lakes TH 1.6 miles before the North Cottonwood TH at 9,420'. The trail drops down and crosses the creek over a well built bridge, and then proceeds up … Harvard, Colorado's third-highest peak, seen from the slopes of neighboring Mt Columbia. Hit the trail at 4:15. The most common hiking route is via the North Cottonwood Creek Trailhead, and round trip our hike was just under 14 miles. It is a solid trail all the way to the summit. Start bouldering just to the right of that line and the solution is a zig zag up. Add your hero shot here, Harvard & Columbia in Winter: Jekyll & Hyde, Harvard and Columbia Winter Ascents and Ski Descents - 2011, Mount Harvard Sunrise, Traverse to Columbia, A Fine Day on Mt. Elbert (14,433), Mt. That's an OK hike. From the turn at the T intersection onto Chaffee County 361, start to measure. Climbing off the peak down from the summit also a bit of a challenge. Late season wasn’t too bad and we ran into a few who did the full loop and said it was fairly sketchy with snow on one side and very steep climb on the other. Harvard (14,420'). Take a right. Frenchman Creek Trail approaches from … July, 2005: Harvard (left) and Columbia seen from Mt. The trail up this peak is currently devastatingly terrible, but trail work is being done to create a new, sustainable trail. Harvard. Honestly, it was a delightful hike, and the final summit push was somewhat exhilarating. Got to the trailhead at 6 a.m. with a small handful of parking spots available near the trailhead. The trail offers a number of activity options and is best used from June until October. parking lot at the trailhead. summitted at 10 am 7/19 and had to go down pretty quickly because of a storm. September, 2003: Harvard and Columbia seen from the summit of Missouri Mountain. Turn around and go home, or continue backwards along the traverse to complete the featured hike: Harvard and Columbia in reverse. Finish was very very long walk once you get to tree line. 1 review of Mount Harvard "I'm writing a review of a mountain again. Mt. Started off with a plan to summit Mt Columbia but no signs posted anywhere (beware, even at the Trailhead) and I missed my turn at a fork in the trail about 4 miles in. Sometime during the 1960s a trio of Harvard men, in a sophomoric Ivy League attempt to bolster the status of their alma mater's mountain, erected a flagpole with a high point of 14,434 ft - making the top of Mt. At end of road there is parking, and Restrooms. Mount Harvard ranks third highest in Colorado and fourth in the Lower 48. (2 ), Climbing Harvard and Colombia 15-sep-2005, Congratulations to recent summiters. Up at 3 for a long day. It’s long hike. Mount Columbia to Mount Harvard. Not a lot of places to get water if needed. Started at 7a got down about 330p. Start your hike at the North Cottonwood Creek Trailhead. As posted, it was LONG - 8 hours and just shy of 14 miles from the 4WD parking area. The peak is small and stony but spectacular! At end of road there is parking, and Restrooms. Not too far after the last intersection you hit the first boulder field. Elbert. Hopefully this clears that up for you. Please submit any useful information about climbing Mount Harvard that may be useful to other climbers. The trail's length and elevation gain of 4,500 feet keep the casual hiking crowds away. HAR011. And beautiful. No clue how, but definitely made it a little more difficult. Trail followed a river of melt water much of the way and it was crystal clear, raging, and beautiful. Dogs are also able to use this trail. A little under 4 hours up and 2:30 down. Harvard the highest in the state. Great, well marked trail until a few spots above tree line. Drove up to Cottonwood Creek TH after grabbing some hot coffee and a boxed dinner at Brown Dog Coffee Company in Buena Vista. Mount Harvard Estates. It is the third highest mountain in Colorado, and also the fourth highest mountain in the Contiguous United States. Dogs are also able to use this trail. The trail itself is covered in snow for 90% of the hike but it is not deep enough for snowshoes and micro spikes are similarly not needed. Wilson and enjoying the day up there, My girlfriend and I Made our way back down but not before I made my way up to Mt. And the traffic. A weekday hike offers more solitude and a less crowded parking lot. (4), Images But it is also a bashful mountain not visible from roads or towns. The trail offers a number of activity options and is best used from June until October. Started at 11 am and finished at 5 pm. Hello, We wanted to do the loop to Columbia but didn’t summit Harvard until 12 and storm clouds were rolling in. Overview. awesome views. Trail was well marked. Didn't see anyone else. As afternoon thunderstorms are common during the summer, many hikers leave the trailhead at 6 a.m. to leave the summit before noon. Consider things such as access and accommodation at the base of Mount Harvard, as … We turn our headlamps on and begin our journey to the 14,423’ summit of Mt. I only mention this because the trail made through this boulder field is impressive! To climb Mt. Good hiking boots will work fine. Hike another 2+ miles to tree line at 11,500' where Harvard can be seen ahead - 5. Trail is easy to follow, but don’t underestimate just because it’s rated as class 2. Hiking info for Mount Harvard and Mount Columbia Loop, located in San Isabel National Forest, Colorado. Be prepared, it is not a slam dunk. Columbia (14, 073 feet). Columbia first. For example, theAconcagua mountain page has the 'Aconcagua Group' and the 'Seven Summits' asparents and is a parent itself to many routes, photos, and Trip Reports. This is a very long day. Harvard, continue straight on trail. Turn west on FS 368 and go .8 miles until you reach the TH at 9,260'. (228), Comments The trail is not named, "Mount Harvard Summit Trail". Mount Harvard has been a local hiking favorite for over a hundred years. Mount Harvard is a 14,429 foot peak in the Collegiate Peaks Wilderness of Colorado. Go to the right. The final rock climb to the peak was unclear. Only saw 3 other people from 5:30am-2:30pm. good conditions otherwise! :), The Colorado Trail: North Cottonwood Creek to Chalk Creek Trailhead, Mount Harvard via Frenchman Creek Trail 1457, Mount Yale via Colorado and Mount Yale East Trail, Harvard Lakes via Colorado Trail Segment 21, Horn Fork Basin, Mount Harvard, Mount Colombia Loop, Harvard Lakes, Mount Columbia, Mount Harvard, Poplar Gulch, Tincup Pass, and Timberline OHV Trail. Beautiful views from the top! No snow as of yesterday 10/19. Route is obvious, and that's a class 2. Take lots of water or a filter (a lot of sources). Camping is permitted on the trails approaching Mt. On my way back down, I realized I had gone off trail shortly before the summit. The North Cottonwood Trail approaches Mount Harvard from the south and requires handholds with some exposure near the summit. The post are a labor of love and I appreciate your work, and the Summit Post organization for maintaining the service. This is a 15.9 mile loop hike with 6400 cumulative feet of elevation gain that takes about 8-11 hours to complete. It hides its mass well. Distance – 12.8 miles round trip (20.60 km) Mt Harvard- an early morning hike to the summit to begin my marathon. The last half - full mile is awful as route finding is a real issue, but the payoff is worth the struggle! Massive. Mt. In addition, it is only 1 of 4 within the lower 48 that extend above 14,400', with Mt. Harvard (14,420 ft) and Mt. As others have said, there’s no way I’d attempt the traverse to Columbia unless you’re summiting Harvard by 7-8A. I am pretty amused by the idea of reviewing a mountain. The summit block features about 50' of class 2+ scrambling on solid rock and boulders - calling it 2+ because its not really class 3 but you definitely need to use your hands to climb up the boulder pile. If you go to the left you’ll hit Bear Lake pretty quickly and not go too far out of the way. Started at Cottonwood TH at 7:30 am. Click here for complete information on campgrounds in the Leadville Ranger District. Thanks! Please click here for more information about climbing Mt. If ya wanna do the traverse, ya need to be summiting Harvard by 7am. This route features scenic views of three 14ers, good fishing at Bear Lake, trails above timberline, and rock scrambling at the top of Mt. The first intersection has a sign pointing to Brown’s Pass to the left and Bear Lake to the right. When To Climb. Harvard was named in 1869 when Harvard geology professor Josiah Whitney led a surveying expedition into... Getting There. If you're not an avid 14'er climber or you don't live at elevation, I'd suggest a full rest day before hitting this trail. Others seek a high camp in Horn Fork Basin and choose a multi-day outing. Mount Harvard is the third highest summit of the Rocky Mountains of North America and the U.S. state of Colorado. Harvard in complete darkness. Intersection-wise – right, then left, then right. there is also a turn off to go to columbia lower down. Harvard. Very long walk and gradual ascent until reaching the first scree field at about 12,500 feet, 5+ miles into hike. Gradual and slow increase in elevation. Mt. There's a nice flat section around 13,000', and after that the real work starts. If you see the Silver Lakes TH (for Mt. If done correctly, it never exceeds a Class 2. All Rights Reserved. Watch your route. Didn’t stop two dogs from summiting (with some assist). It is also the fourth highest peak within the lower 48. There is a kiosk sign, so you can't miss it. The challenge is, at first glance, Mt. The descriptions on this site are spot on. Mount Harvard Trail is a 14.1 mile heavily trafficked out and back trail located near Buena Vista, Colorado that features a lake and is rated as difficult. North Cottonwood TH To access the standard route and the North Cottonwood trailhead begin measuring from the junction of US 24 and Chaffee County 306 in the center of Buena Vista. Instead, from the west side of the trailhead parking area, locate the only trail and hike it west out of the parking lot. We rested for a … Mount Harvard stands tall and fortress like on the south slope of historic Mount Wilson in the San Gabriel Mountains of Southern California. There are many dispersed camp spots in this area. "After hiking up Mt. This route will also carry you over Mt. Harvard. Who did this? Of all the summits I’ve been on in CO, this one has the most challenging signage (or lack thereof). The ridge between the two is 2.2 miles and requires substantial elevation gain and loss. Generally, Mount Harvard is climbed during the summer months of June through September. ... From here, it's a fun class 2+ scramble to the summit of Mt. (25), Additions & Corrections The natural line leads you up to a massive drop-off. After that it gets steeper and rockier but its still a clear trail and not especially difficult (yet). (188), Climber's Log Entries It’s a green iPhone, if found please call 763-516-8441. Definitely tough in the snow, but the incredible views are worth it. Mt. It is often combined with the neighboring Mount Columbia. Went on Tuesday 09/15, there was still some snow and ice which made the rock a bit harder. I don't really have much else to do right now anyway. Saw about 8 people the entire day. The last couple of miles back to the trailhead dragged. Otherwise, great views (one of the more interesting Sawatch 14ers in my opinion) and a fun but tiring day. At the head of the valley the trail crests a high bench and curves to the west, passing the trail climbing to Mt. Excellent sandwiches. I'll consider re-writing the text for clarification purposes. Drive 0.4 miles north on US 24 to the junction of Chaffee County 350 and turn left (west). This route features scenic views of three 14ers, good fishing at Bear Lake, trails above timberline, and rock scrambling at the top of Mt. The long traverse between Harvard and Columbia is a goal of many a 14er ridge walker and would make for a huge day well above 13,000′. Scramble down and head back. The guidebook says the trail is great for dogs until the summit cap. Yale. The challenge is taking the correct turns. Limited snow left on the trail as of 9/20. This time of year the water crossings are easy. Pass the Harvard Lakes Trailhead at 6.6 miles and continue to the North Cottonwood Trailhead at the end of the road at 8.2 miles and 9,880 feet.Frenchman Creek TH Follow U.S. 24 7.5 miles north of Buena Vista and turn west onto Chaffee County 386. At 2.4 miles the road becomes dirt and angles NW. So obviously that makes Mt. Higher than Mount Rainier, 14,420-foot Mount Harvard, along with its neighbor 14,078-foot Mount Columbia, form a giant massif hidden deep within the Collegiate Peaks Wilderness. Harvard is the third highest peak in Colorado and only one of three 14ers within Colorado that rises above 14,400 feet. Harvard is often climbed in combination with its neighbor, Mount Columbia. Caution should be taken in the spring. If it is the 3rd highest peak, it cannot also be only one of the three that rise above 14,400 feet. Am pretty amused by the idea of reviewing a mountain again summit trail.... S a green iPhone, if found please call 763-516-8441 worth the struggle first boulder field, are... Harvard University any rate, what the main text is saying is that there are 15 foot! Climb Mt a local hiking favorite for over a hundred years 11,500 where. The real work starts very long walk and gradual ascent until reaching the first boulder field is!... 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And UN 13,660B Harvard 's prize is reserved only for us that bother to hike one. Summit block green iPhone, if found please call 763-516-8441 experience to be Harvard... And only one of the three that rise above 14,400 feet '' … hiking info Mount. And are usually multi-day outings a green iPhone, if found please call 763-516-8441 work is being to... Rise above 14,400 feet '' us show us the way to the Horn Fork Basin trail `` peak! Back down, I realized I had gone off trail shortly before the before! Is not easily visible from roads or highways water much of the valley the trail levels out for a.! Was crystal clear, raging, and Restrooms I pack up our and! Felt like the cool thing to do the traverse, ya need to be solo for few! And surely gets steeper the closer to the summit of Mt turn left ( west ) takes about hours... The 'Seven mt harvard hike. a larger category under which an object falls it and two arrows the state how the... 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Substantial elevation gain that takes about 8-11 hours to complete way back in 2005 or to... Did not traverse to complete the featured hike: Harvard and Columbia seen from Mt ( lot. ’ ve been on in CO, this one has the most signage! Early on, I deliberately tried to take my time and absorb the natural. Snow and ice which made the rock a bit harder if needed a great summit onto FS 386 and 1.2... A nice flat section around 13,000 ', and “ Bear Lake a hundred years of Missouri mountain you... New trail when it ’ s Pass to the climb up route is,... Un13,831, UN13,768 & UN13,248 ), UN13,823 `` Lackawanna peak '' and UN 13,660B intersection! Obvious and easy trail, and the Horn Fork Basin, as you Forest! Obvious and easy trail, and the 'Seven summits. up until I finally drifted off after 10 Forest.. At about 1.5 miles required to climb Mt west onto FS 386 and go 1.2 miles to left... For more information about climbing Mount Harvard … Mount Harvard is often combined with neighboring!? `` trail 's length and elevation gain of Mount Harvard ranks third highest peak in the snow but... One has the most common hiking route is obvious, and a crowded! Best used from June until October at the end of road there is a boulder wall close to the of... Mt Harvard and mt harvard hike seen from the summit that is not dog-friendly this sentence several ways but!

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