Mount Harvard! Colorado - 14,420'
South Slopes Route
14.7 Miles Round Trip
4525 feet of elevation gain
Mount Harvard! What an amazing hike. At 14,420', it is Colorado's 3rd tallest mountain. And the
South Slopes approach through Horn Fork Basin is just amazing. The round trip distance seems long
at 14.7 miles, but I felt that it was, for the most part, really easy going. Compared to say Yale, where
the trail hits a steep section and then stays steep, the Harvard trail has many sections (in the woods as
well as in Horn Fork Basin) that are much less steep where you can knock out miles much more easily.
The alpine areas of this hike are really enjoyable with gorgeous trail through woods along
creeks, creek crossings etc. While there aren't many pictures here, it is very enjoyable. After
about 3 miles you begin to get closer to the basin.
Once you begin to enter Horn Fork Basin, amazing views open up! With an early morning start, the
West (left) side of the basin is more scenic. This is because the lighting is on that side of the
basin, but also, you're along the lower part of 14er Mount Columbia which towers above the East (right)
side of the basin. But you're just too close to Columbia early in the basin to get a good view.
The Horn Fork Basin is just spectacular! The trail winds through beautiful willows along the
creek. As you move along, the views continue to change.
Around 12,600, there is a trail junction. To the left is to Bear Lake and to the right is to
continue up the face of Harvard. It's easy to miss this turn and I did! But it was a short scamper
and a beautiful one at that over to Bear Lake. Sitting high on a plateau in Horn Fork Basin, this is
just an amazing place.
Back on trail, the climbing gets rocky and steep as you make your way up the face. Fun! Getting
closer to the top, the summit block is great! The rock scrambling is supreme and a fantastic confidence
builder for those trying to work their way up to tougher peaks. Pick a line, take your time and enjoy!
The views from the summit are just fantastic. I hadn't really seen anyone all day but when I
got to the top there were a bunch of guys from Texas hanging out up there!! ha ha! They were really
cool and snapped some great pics of me.
The way down is long, but again, just easy going. I think it was perhaps I had done two other
14ers in the week before, so I was getting into better shape. But amazingly, I just wasn't nearly as
tired as I thought I would be after so much mileage and elevation gain. Bottom line is don't let that
turn you away from this hike. It's SO WORTH a little extra mileage to see this beautiful place and
experience this amazing summit.
Hope this has been enjoyable and / or helpful to anyone reading it!!
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