INTRO
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| Harvard at the head of the Horn Fork Basin |
While Mt. Harvard is one of the highest peaks in the state, like Elbert and Massive it requires little technical skill to climb other than a sturdy pair of legs and some grit to log the requisite miles. The standard climb on Harvard is a lengthy slog of some 14 miles and gains over 5,000', making it one of the more endurance-dependent 14ers around.
Another salient feature on the Harvard-Columbia massif is the rugged connecting ridge between the two peaks. This serrated ridgeline can be skirted down low for those that want to limb both peaks in a day without the necessity of tackling the ridge proper, but taking on the true ridge provides a unique opportunity to experience of the most rugged and technical lines in the Sawatch Range.
DIRECTIONS
From nearby Buena Vista, find Crossman Ave in the heart of town and turn west (towards the mountains. After two miles, turn right onto CR 361 at a T intersection. Follow this for a mile to another T and follow signs onto CR 365 toward North Cottonwood Creek. Follow this for several miles on a dirt road (passable by passenger vehicles) to the trailhead just under 10,000'.
South Slopes (class 2)
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| Lake in the Horn Fork Basin while climbing Harvard |
This route is fairly straightforward and follows a consistent trail all the way to the summit. There is a bit of a steep summit cap at the very top that may entail very short bits of scrambling. Otherwise this route is mostly class 1.
Harvard-Columbia Traverse (class 2)
The arduous slog is long and includes over 6,000 feet of vertical gain. You can do the climb either way but it seems the preferred route is to climb Harvard first and descend the shorter route off Columbia late in the day. Remember that this complicated ridge takes time and you must descend far below the actual ridgeline to keep the difficulty at class 2, which adds to the effort but minimizes the exposure.
"The Rabbits" traverse (13.5 miles; 5,600' elevation gain; class 5.7)
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| Pinnacles on the connecting ridge with Harvard |
SPECIAL CONSIDERATIONS
Mt. Harvard lies in the Collegiate Peaks wilderness and wilderness rules and ethics apply. Remember that all routes on Harvard require a bit more effort than many other 14ers and rescues have had to be undertaken on this mountain due to overexertion.
LINKS
Mountain Profile: Mt. Columbia
Summitpost page on Mt. Harvard
14ers.com on Harvard
PREVIOUS PEAKS OF THE WEEK
Mt. Massive- Second highest peak in the state and one of the most beautiful. There are many great ways to tire your legs on Mt. Massive. All-in-all this is a mountain that can make Colorado proud.
Quandary Peak- Known for being easy, this popular Tenmile Range peak has something for everyone, and a few hidden surprises as well.
Mount of the Holy Cross- Certainly one of Colorado's most photographed and famous mountains, Holy Cross is a rugged and breathtaking gem in the northern end of the Sawatch Range.
Longs Peak- Colorado's most famous mountaineering mountain, and for good reason. No Colorado peak has such a vast array of world-class routes and challenges. Longs is the supreme monarch of alpinism in this state.
Mt. Sneffels- one of the most popular mountains in the San Juans and a mountain with a lot of class...and options. From the standard class 2+ standard route to the more remote lines on Sneffels breathtaking and complicated north face, this peak has a lot to offer.
Little Bear- Possibly the most difficult of Colorado's 14ers. Information about the notorious "Hourglass" crux and possible ways to avoid the Hourglass.
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