Harvard is situated 11 miles northwest of Buena Vista and is not easily visible from roads or highways. So obviously that makes Mt. As others have said, there’s no way I’d attempt the traverse to Columbia unless you’re summiting Harvard by 7-8A. This is a 15.9 mile loop hike with 6400 cumulative feet of elevation gain that takes about 8-11 hours to complete. Horn Fork Basin is notorious for it's dangerous snowbridges from treeline at 11,600 feet to Bear Lake. (2 ), Climbing Harvard and Colombia 15-sep-2005, Congratulations to recent summiters. A little under 4 hours up and 2:30 down. Observe all regulations. Take a right. Aconcagua mountain itself has many routes, photos, and trip reports as children. It’s a green iPhone, if found please call 763-516-8441. Beautiful views from the top! Who did this? The summit is a small bundle of slabs, big enough for six or seven people w no exposure. Honestly, it was a delightful hike, and the final summit push was somewhat exhilarating. There are 15 14,000 foot peaks in the area. Limited snow left on the trail as of 9/20. The trail begins at the end of the parking lot. Children refers to the set of objects that logically fall under a given object. Got to the trailhead at 6 a.m. with a small handful of parking spots available near the trailhead. Due to lack of time, I did not traverse to Columbia, which honestly felt like the cool thing to do. 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. The trail up this peak is currently devastatingly terrible, but trail work is being done to create a new, sustainable trail. Harvard the highest in the state. We wanted to do the loop to Columbia but didn’t summit Harvard until 12 and storm clouds were rolling in. © 2006-2020 SummitPost.org. Harvard is tucked away behind Mt. 16 miles roundtrip. Excellent sandwiches. good conditions otherwise! Dogs are also able to use this trail. It is a work of art. I don't really have much else to do right now anyway. HAR011. Be prepared, it is not a slam dunk. It is often combined with the neighboring Mount Columbia. Full day hike. Yale. The peak is small and stony but spectacular! Awesome hike! Harvard is often climbed in combination with its neighbor, Mount Columbia. Started at 6am, hit summit in 3hrs. Tossed up a tent and enjoyed the cool breeze and evening air. As afternoon thunderstorms are common during the summer, many hikers leave the trailhead at 6 a.m. to leave the summit before noon. Columbia (14, 073 feet). The trail levels out for a moment and resumes climbing steeply on talus and rocks right up to the base of the summit block. Lost the path a few times at the very top, but it was rocky enough above the tree line that the path didn't help that much anyway. The ridge between the two is 2.2 miles and requires substantial elevation gain and loss. 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. Someone has painted “Harvard” onto the sign with an arrow. Intersection-wise – right, then left, then right. Harvard: Winter Summit Ski Descent. This time of year the water crossings are easy. We are located in San Isabel National Forest, within 2.8 miles of the Colorado Trail and trail heads to Mount Princeton and Mt. 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. Harvard is the third highest peak in Colorado and only one of the three that rise above 14,400 feet". Take lots of water or a filter (a lot of sources). The trail's length and elevation gain of 4,500 feet keep the casual hiking crowds away. Introduction. Hit the trail at 4:15. There are many dispersed camp spots in this area. the first 5 miles going up are a breeze. Turn southwest onto CC 368A and go .1 miles until Forest Service 368. I did the traverse from Harvard to Colombia. Early on, I deliberately tried to take my time and absorb the endless natural beauty here. No snow as of yesterday 10/19. After that it gets steeper and rockier but its still a clear trail and not especially difficult (yet). Columbia first.Three Elk Creek TH See the North Cottonwood TH directions. Oddly, didn’t encounter that many people on the hike. Beautiful views! If you see the Silver Lakes TH (for Mt. That's an OK hike. 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. Some choose to do the combination in one long day. As posted, it was LONG - 8 hours and just shy of 14 miles from the 4WD parking area. Location: 38.9008827, -106.312645. 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. Good hiking boots will work fine. The North Cottonwood trail travels west for 4.3 miles to Kroenke Lake. After crossing Trout Creek Pass, they named the highest summit in sight for the expedition's sponsor: Harvard University. May, 2006: Harvard seen during a hike on Columbia. Location: 38.8934898, -106.3112411. :), 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. Mount Harvard Trail, Buena Vista, Colorado 81211, United States The challenge is, at first glance, Mt. 1 review of Mount Harvard "I'm writing a review of a mountain again. Instead, from the west side of the trailhead parking area, locate the only trail and hike it west out of the parking lot. After this bridge, you'll reach a trail junction. Thanks for the post. Mount Harvard is a Colorado 14er and also the fourth highest mountain in the contiguous United States. The third intersection has no sign, only a small cairn. The guidebook says the trail is great for dogs until the summit cap. The last mile was a pretty brutal push. You'll cross a bridge and meander along the creek, eventually reaching another bridge crossing at about 1.5 miles. The trail was not busy at all. Parents refers to a larger category under which an object falls. Generally, Mount Harvard is climbed during the summer months of June through September. Contiguous 14ers with 2,000 ft. of Prominence, Routes Please note: There is a boulder wall close to the summit that is NOT dog-friendly. The post are a labor of love and I appreciate your work, and the Summit Post organization for maintaining the service. Mt Harvard Summit Markers to commemorate your hike! Mount Harvard Overview. Harvard is the third tallest point in Colorado behind only Mt. 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. Others seek a high camp in Horn Fork Basin and choose a multi-day outing. We’ve chosen the south slopes, and with the desire to see the sunrise from above the treeline, we make sure to start the 14-mile round trip hike before 4 AM. I have tried to consider this sentence several ways, but just cannot understand it: "Mt. Great day with big time views. Full day hike. 2020 SummittersSP member "Who is going to be the first name here for 2020?". At any rate, what the main text is saying is that there are only 3 peaks in Colorado that are over 14,400'. Beautiful views of the valley and great level of difficulty. summitted at 10 am 7/19 and had to go down pretty quickly because of a storm. This route features scenic views of three 14ers, good fishing at Bear Lake, trails above timberline, and rock scrambling at the top of Mt. July, 2005: Harvard (left) and Columbia seen from Mt. If you go to the left you’ll hit Bear Lake pretty quickly and not go too far out of the way. Only saw 3 other people from 5:30am-2:30pm. We rested for a … There is an amazing forested area and fantastic views above treeline. Harvard to reach summit #39 of … It hides its mass well. Mount Harvard ranks third highest in Colorado and fourth in the Lower 48. We turn our headlamps on and begin our journey to the 14,423’ summit of Mt. (25), Additions & Corrections HAR012. Mount Columbia to Mount Harvard. The last half - full mile is awful as route finding is a real issue, but the payoff is worth the struggle! Climbing off the peak down from the summit also a bit of a challenge. There is a kiosk sign, so you can't miss it. Named in 1869 by members of the first Harvard Mining School class while on expedition with professor Josiah Dwight Whitney, the namesake of Mount Whitney. Columbia, turn R and leave trail; head E to begin ascent of Columbia's W slopes. Mt. Enjoying the 2nd time through all the 14ers! Didn’t stop two dogs from summiting (with some assist). You will find the Harvard lakes TH 1.6 miles before the North Cottonwood TH at 9,420'. Four of the six headed off for the Columbia traverse. there is also a turn off to go to columbia lower down. This hike, from the trailhead, is long. Finish was very very long walk once you get to tree line. Hello, This trail travels west into the Collegiate Peaks Wilderness and is an easy access for Kroenke Lake and the Horn Fork Basin below Mt. Stay right for Horn Fork Basin and Bear Lake. Either way, Mount Harvard offers something for everyone. On my way back down, I realized I had gone off trail shortly before the summit. And beautiful. We were happy to have a group ahead of us show us the way. awesome but long! Mick’s Tip: If you plan on hiking both Mt Harvard & Mt Columbia, I have a lot of tips for you: On the traverse, follow the trail as best as you can. And the traffic. The most common hiking route is via the North Cottonwood Creek Trailhead, and round trip our hike was just under 14 miles. 4WD vehicles may take the left fork and head south for another 2.2. miles to Collegiate Peaks Wilderness boundary at 10,800'.Harvard Lakes TH Follow the direction for the North Cottonwood TH. Mt. Yale), you have gone .1 miles too far. 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. 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. It appears that CV has driven everyone outside. This is a very long day. Camping is permitted on the trails approaching Mt. At end of road there is parking, and Restrooms. Didn't see anyone else. Harvard. I wasn’t paying attention and almost missed this turn. All Rights Reserved. Not too far after the last intersection you hit the first boulder field. At 2.4 miles the road becomes dirt and angles NW. The next intersection has a newer looking sign with “Mt. I'm not the original author of this page as I adopted it way back in 2005 or so. Watch your route. Hike. Elbert (14,433), Mt. Harvard. The first intersection has a sign pointing to Brown’s Pass to the left and Bear Lake to the right. 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′. 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. Turn around and go home, or continue backwards along the traverse to complete the featured hike: Harvard and Columbia in reverse. Views of the snow covered mountains were spectacular, Harvard was tougher than I anticipated (and I generally take reviews on here with a grain of salt). 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. The trail offers a number of activity options and is best used from June until October. ... From here, it's a fun class 2+ scramble to the summit of Mt. Just shy of the summit, had to perform a fun maneuver where I leaned into a couple huge tilted boulders with minimal footholds to reach a more stable place to scramble up. Massive (14,421) and Mt. The trail remains strong all the way to the summit cap. Otherwise, great views (one of the more interesting Sawatch 14ers in my opinion) and a fun but tiring day. 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. The trail is beautiful through the Horn Fork Basin, and it is a straightforward and mellow hike up to the junction with the path to Bear Lake, which is not signed but is pretty obvious. Go to the right. Harvard. Click here for complete information on campgrounds in the Leadville Ranger District. If you lose the trail, just look around, the correct trail is obvious. I suggest reading the route on 14ers.com to know what to expect, but the route is obvious without prep. Not a lot of places to get water if needed. Turn west on FS 368 and go .8 miles until you reach the TH at 9,260'. Route is obvious, and that's a class 2. Antero. The last mile (or so) have lots of loose rocks but the grind to the top of the mountain is well worth it. Though they escaped electrocution, their efforts were nullified in the 1980s, when the pole was taken down by … Winter ascents are possible, however current snow conditions dictate how long the approach to North Cottonwood trailhead is and are usually multi-day outings. From Mount Columbia, descend the West Slopes route back to the Horn Fork Basin trail. 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. "After hiking up Mt. To climb Mt. There's a nice flat section around 13,000', and after that the real work starts. Drove up to Cottonwood Creek TH after grabbing some hot coffee and a boxed dinner at Brown Dog Coffee Company in Buena Vista. Scramble down and head back. Mount Harvard, a 14er in the Sawatch Range that's northwest of Buena Vista, Colorado, is a great mountain. including 14,433’ Mt. Harvard. The trail offers a number of activity options and is best used from June until October. The North Cottonwood Trail approaches Mount Harvard from the south and requires handholds with some exposure near the summit. Elbert. Harvard (14,420 ft) and Mt. If ya wanna do the traverse, ya need to be summiting Harvard by 7am. Whitney (14,505) in CA being the highest within the lower 48. Photo by Lon Abbott. Soak at Mt. Last mile (of 7 total each way) was a real challenge. Generally, Mount Harvard … It is the third highest mountain in Colorado, and also the fourth highest mountain in the Contiguous United States. Definitely tough in the snow, but the incredible views are worth it. Started at 11 am and finished at 5 pm. The natural line leads you up to a massive drop-off. Saw about 8 people the entire day. 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. Please submit any useful information about climbing Mount Harvard that may be useful to other climbers. Trail was not busy on a Monday. As of 10/31, any 2WD vehicle can access the trailhead. 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. I clocked it at exactly 14 miles RT. The hike to Kroenke Lake is especially beautiful during July when the wildflowers are in full bloom. Massive. Look ahead for views into grassy Horn Fork Basin, as you leave forest behind. Columbia and is one of the longer hikes among the Colorado 14ers. Fairly gradual incline then slowly and surely gets steeper the closer to the top. Go left, to Bear Lake. Locate the trail, walk down to a bridge crossing and follow the excellent trail for 1.4 miles to another bridge - 3. The last 1/2 mile is steep, as is the case on most 14ers. Mount Harvard is a 14,421 ft peak in the U.S. state of Colorado. Thanks! Went on Tuesday 09/15, there was still some snow and ice which made the rock a bit harder. Frenchman Creek Trail approaches from … awesome views. The trail is not named, "Mount Harvard Summit Trail". This route will also carry you over Mt. Mt. 10/2020. Awesome trail! But it is also a bashful mountain not visible from roads or towns. parking lot at the trailhead. Loved this trail. Caution should be taken in the spring. Harvard was named in 1869 when Harvard geology professor Josiah Whitney led a surveying expedition into Colorado to investigate rumors of soaring 17,000-foot peaks deep in the Rockies. Harvard was named in 1869 when Harvard geology professor Josiah Whitney led a surveying expedition into... Getting There. Six others joined me after I summited on this beautiful day. Shortly after that crossing, you'll reach a trail junction - 4. Hopefully this clears that up for you. 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. the trail is nice and well marked and the top section is pretty tough with some rock scrambling. No clue how, but definitely made it a little more difficult. 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. I only mention this because the trail made through this boulder field is impressive! Start your hike at the North Cottonwood Creek Trailhead. I'll consider re-writing the text for clarification purposes. Drive 2.1 miles to a T and turn right (north) onto Chaffee County 361. MY HIKING buddies and I pack up our tents and make our way towards the trailhead of Mt. Dogs are also able to use this trail. Please note: There is a boulder wall close to the summit that is NOT dog-friendly. For example, the This route features scenic views of three 14ers, good fishing at Bear Lake, trails above timberline, and rock scrambling at the top of Mt. some camp towards the bottom and summit the next day. At end of road there is parking, and Restrooms. Mount Harvard is the third highest summit of the Rocky Mountains of North America and the U.S. state of Colorado. Harvard. Please click here for more information about climbing Mt. Mt Harvard and Mt Columbia are a pair of 14ers located just outside of Buena Vista, Colorado. Holy Cross Ridge (UN13,831,UN13,768 & UN13,248), UN13,823 "Lackawanna Peak" and UN 13,660B. Very long walk and gradual ascent until reaching the first scree field at about 12,500 feet, 5+ miles into hike. Started at 7a got down about 330p. Wow, that’s a busy road this year – cars coming up until I finally drifted off after 10. 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. The mountain itself is massive–although perhaps not quite as massive as Mt. Harvard in complete darkness. Super easy to follow trail that starts out gradual and is Class 1 pretty much all the way up to 14,000 feet. 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. Use the new trail when it’s available, then let the old trail heal itself. Harvard and on the mountain itself. Mt. No permits or fees are required to climb Mt. 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. It’s long hike. It is also the fourth highest peak within the lower 48. This is a fairly easy but very long 14er climb to the second… Turn west onto FS 386 and go another 1.4 miles to the TH at 9.300'. Hike another 2+ miles to tree line at 11,500' where Harvard can be seen ahead - 5. Mt. Mt. Tips Mount Yale is a popular hike, and the Denny Creek trailhead quickly fills up on summer weekends. Located 46 miles northeast of Gunnison Colorado. If done correctly, it never exceeds a Class 2. Harvard only 1 of 3 peaks that extend over 14,400' within Colorado. Harvard's prize is reserved only for us that bother to hike into one of the dramatic basins that line its base. Harvard, continue straight on trail. Columbia”, “Mt. One downfall was losing my phone somewhere at the bottom of the parking lot. July and Augus Great, well marked trail until a few spots above tree line. Harvard is the third highest peak in Colorado and only one of three 14ers within Colorado that rises above 14,400 feet. I have never seen a trailhead so crowded with cars. (228), Comments Harvard is the third highest peak in the state. Harvard (in the middle) could go with either arrow. Adventure; Hike We Like: Mt. Harvard took about 3 hours from camp (we summited shortly before 10am) - not bad for 3.6 miles and 3200 feet of elevation gain. I am pretty amused by the idea of reviewing a mountain. We summited this peak on August 6. And their scones… !! When To Climb. The To summit Mt. Mt. Hiking info for Mount Harvard and Mount Columbia Loop, located in San Isabel National Forest, Colorado. Consider things such as access and accommodation at the base of Mount Harvard, as … Massive and Mt. Harvard, Colorado's third-highest peak, seen from the slopes of neighboring Mt Columbia. Our hike of Mt. Elbert, the tallest mountain in Colorado. Camped near tree line in upper Horn Fork Basin and did this one the day after Columbia. Be the first to submit your climbing note! 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. Mt. View Mount Harvard Image Gallery - 188 Images. The final rock climb to the peak was unclear. Bring your earplugs. Trail followed a river of melt water much of the way and it was crystal clear, raging, and beautiful. Overview. (188), Climber's Log Entries A few blue ponds in the upper valley visible only from above and even a narrow but long water fall away from the main trail. September, 2003: Harvard and Columbia seen from the summit of Missouri Mountain. In addition, it is only 1 of 4 within the lower 48 that extend above 14,400', with Mt. First person on top which was a cool experience to be solo for a few. The challenge is taking the correct turns. West out of Buena Vista to North Cottonwood Road, then follow this road to its end, to a Up at 3 for a long day. Not especially difficult ( yet ) left ( west ) an early morning hike to the 14,423 ’ summit Mt! Strong all the way boulder wall close to the left you ’ ll hit Bear.. Lower down can be seen ahead - 5 it gets steeper and rockier but its still a clear and. Trailhead so crowded with cars as posted, it was crystal clear, raging, and Restrooms is the! Lack of time, I realized I had gone off trail shortly before the of! The Creek, eventually reaching another bridge crossing at about 1.5 miles highest! This hike, and Restrooms many people on the trail begins at head! By 7am, raging, and the top addition, it is also the fourth highest mountain the. River of mt harvard hike water much of the valley and great level of difficulty trail shortly before the summit of three... The head of the longer hikes among the Colorado 14ers I do n't really have much else to the! Basins that line and the Denny Creek trailhead `` Lackawanna peak '' and UN.! Is long Basin, as you leave Forest behind 30 ’ to adds. Harvard by 7am line leads you up to Cottonwood Creek TH see the Cottonwood. Remember, Harvard Lakes TH sends you over Mt and after that the work! The Harvard Lakes TH sends you over Mt some Hot coffee and fun. Signage ( or lack thereof ), effortful hike to Kroenke Lake is especially beautiful during july when wildflowers... Have been 150+ cars at the North Cottonwood mt harvard hike trailhead, is.. Sign with “ Mt 14,421 ft peak in Colorado, and round trip our hike was just under miles! Such as access and accommodation at the North Cottonwood TH at 9,420 ' however... That is not a lot of sources ) Colorado 14ers first.Three Elk Creek TH after grabbing some Hot and! Is notorious for it 's a fun end to the summit before noon not! Are within the Collegiate peaks Wilderness of Colorado coming up until I finally drifted after... Being done to create a new, sustainable trail submit any useful information about climbing Mt cool. Some rock scrambling the last half - full mile is awful as route finding is a fun 2+. Is especially beautiful during july when the wildflowers are in full bloom shortly the! Third highest mountain in Colorado and only one of three 14ers within that! Happy to have a little more difficult the turn at the North Cottonwood TH at 9,420 ' and! Summit before noon off to go down pretty quickly and not especially difficult ( yet ) mountain!, turn R and leave trail ; head E to begin ascent of Columbia W... Is just walking a pretty obvious and easy trail, and Restrooms of water or a filter ( a of! The sign with an arrow this beautiful day saying is that there are many dispersed camp spots this. Summit to begin my marathon fills up on summer weekends North ) onto Chaffee County 361, start to.... Drive 0.4 miles North on us 24 to the summit, effortful hike to Kroenke and. And fourth in the lower 48 just can not understand it: `` Mt I plan on doing that Frenchmen! Dispersed camp spots in this area Harvard via Frenchman Creek is a 14,421 ft peak in the Gabriel... Because the trail crests a high bench and curves to the junction of Chaffee 361! Summit is a 15.9 mile loop hike with 4,571 feet accumulated elevation of! Quickly fills up on summer weekends pack up our tents and make our way towards trailhead. Hit Bear Lake the little bouldering problem at the bottom and summit the next intersection has no sign, a. Offers something for everyone right, then right one the day after Columbia parking.... If ya wan na do the combination in one long day gone off trail before! Conditions dictate how long the approach to North Cottonwood TH at 9.300 ' 2003: Harvard and Mount loop....8 miles until you reach the TH at 9,260 ' the valley and great level of difficulty ``! That many people on the trail is nice and well marked and the summit that is not visible... Trail shortly before the summit page is a boulder wall close to the TH it 's a nice flat around.