HARVARD


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Harvard and Columbia are frequently climbed together, however since Jason and I had already done Columbia from a different trailhead we climbed only Harvard on this trip. Harvard is well hidden in the Collegiate Peaks wilderness area and makes for a long one day hike (Most people that do the combo camp along Horn Fork Creek near treeline. Jason and I however prefer to get early starts and sleep in a comfortable bed the night before summiting. The hike was nearly 13 miles round trip so it made for a long day, but it was late in the season so we were in shape for it. The hike begins by heading West along North Cottonwood Creek and then heads north along Horn Fork Creek. The trail gains elevation gently for a long time, then just before the summit it quickly ascends to the summit ridge. The final section before the summit has a couple of interesting moves (for a class 2 mountain) that must be made. It makes the summit exciting and caps off that feeling of accomplishment climbing the 3rd highest mountain in Colorado.





Caption


We hiked this trail just as the aspens were begining to change color.


Noth Cottonwood Creek is a parallels the trail for a while and makes the ambiance of the hike very enjoyable.


Mount Yale comes into view (though not the actual summit yet) long before any sign of Mount Harvard.


Then the trail head north along Horn Fork Creek and up to treeline. Mount Harvard finally comes into view. In this photo the summit is on the left.


There are several creek crossings that must be made over the Horn Fork Creek (the one over North Cottonwood Creek has a bridge) so I highly recommend you wear waterproof boots and bring hiking poles for balance.


Mount Yale seen from just below Bear Lake.


After the trail breaks away from Horn Fork Creek and begins to head up the ridge you will get a great view of Bear Lake (worth a side trip to go visit).


Bear lake rests on a plateau just above some cliff bands, toss in Mt Yale in the back ground and you've got a world class view.


Bear Lake as seen from the summit of Harvard. This gives you an idea of how the elevation gain increases after passing bear lake.


Fall seems to be the best time to climb in Colorado. The weather is more stable and fewer people are out hiking. We had the mountain to ourselves that day.


Though it can get a little chilly on the summits in the fall.


This is looking Northeast from the summit toward Waverly Mountain and Pine Creek Valley.


You are welcome to contact me with any questions regarding questions about, or problems with, this website. Just send me an e-mail at josh_friesema@hotmail.com.