Hike Mt. Harvard

Elevation: 14,420 feet
Elevation Gain: 4,500 feet
Distance: 12 miles round trip
Trailhead: North Cottonwood Creek (Trail 1449)

Note: the unpaved road to the trailhead is generally passable for low clearance vehicles, but high clearance is always recommended. Keep in mind that snowfields are common into early summer, and that afternoon thunderstorms are always a consideration, especially when climbing above treeline. If you plan to hike round-trip in a single day, start very early. This is a popular hiking and camping area, so be prepared for company on the trail and at the summit, especially during peak season.

To the Trailhead: ½ mile north of the stoplight in the center of Buena Vista, turn west on CR 350. Proceed about 2 miles to turn right on CR 361. Go about 1 mile and turn right on CR 365, a dirt road. The trailhead is at the end of this road, about 5 miles up. The trailhead signs are on the west side of the parking area.

Trail Information: This is a strong, clear trail for much of the hike. Follow it for 1 ½ miles to the junction for Kroenke Lake and Horn Fork Basin and Bear Lake. Turn right toward Horn Fork Basin and Bear Lake. Treeline is about 2 miles further on, where the trail turns to the right and then circles around the east side of Horn Fork Basin. There are several good camping areas in the Basin.

You’ll follow the trail (marked by large rock cairns) for a little over a mile through the Basin to a shoulder on the northeast side of Bear Lake. The shoulder stretches from Unnamed Peak to the east to the north end of the Basin. The trail will switchback up the south side of the shoulder. Bear Lake will now be behind you. The trail crosses the Basin and climbs toward the south ridge of the summit. Here the trail will switchback toward the ridge to the southwest of the summit. It will swing around a large hump or outcropping, and continue to climb towards the summit, now on the east side of the ridge. You’ll come to the summit scramble; pick your favorite route to the top. Easier climbs will be towards the middle of the rock pile.

Enjoy the view!

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