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Mount Harvard (Fourteener)
At 14,420 feet, Mount Harvard is the third highest peak in Colorado and one of the many peaks in the Collegiate Peaks Wilderness. A companion peak to Mount Columbia, Mount Harvard is accessible from North Cottonwood Trail, Pine Creek Trail, Frenchman Creek Trail, 3 Elk Creek Trail or Harvard Lakes Trailheads. The most popular of these is North Cottonwood Trail/Horn Fork Basin Route, which is 6.5 miles long with a 4,400-foot elevation gain. From the trailhead, follow the North Cottonwood Trail west. At the Kroenke Lake/Horn Fork Basin junction, veer right towards Horn Fork Basin and Bear Lake. The climbing route cuts off prior to Bear Lake and ascends Harvard's south slopes. Follow the cairned route to the summit. Descend along the same route.
The Collegiate Peaks Wilderness was established in 1980 to preserve its quality, character and integrity. This area is intended to be a place where the imprint of humans is substantially unnoticed, where natural processes are the primary influences and human activity is limited to primitive recreation and minimum tools. Please follow Leave No Trace Outdoor Ethics to ensure that this and future generations experience this special place in its natural condition.
The U.S. Forest Service has many partners, including Colorado Fourteeners Initiative that help protect and preserve Colorado's 14,000-foot peaks, or "Fourteeners," through active stewardship and public education.
At a Glance
| Current Conditions: | Winter conditions exist. Check the CDOT for current road conditions and CAIC for avalanche safety information. |
|---|---|
| Permit Info: | Commercial and organized groups must obtain a permit through the Leadville Ranger District in advance of their trip. |
| Usage: | Heavy |
| Busiest Season: | June-September |
| Closest Towns: | Leadville & Buena Vista, Colorado |
| Water: | None |
| Restroom: | None |
| Information Center: | Leadville Ranger District |
General Information
Directions:From Leadville, travel south on U.S. Highway 24 to Buena Vista. Then take Chaffee County Roads 350 and 365 west for 10 miles to the North Cottonwood Trailhead.
General Notes:
- Mountain weather is unpredictable and can change quickly. Be prepared with rain gear and extra layers of warm clothing. Always check the weather forecast before heading out.
- Thunderstorms occur frequently in the afternoons, so plan your trip accordingly. Also, keep in mind thunderstorms build rapidly, so keep an eye on the weather and get below timberline at the first sign of a thunderstorm. Follow these Lightening Safety Tips.
- Combat altitude sickness by acclimating gradually and staying hydrated. If symptoms (i.e., severe headache, dizziness or nausea) do occur, immediately descend to a lower elevation.
- At high altitudes, sunlight is much more intense, and the air is much drier. Wear sunscreen and a hat, and drink plenty of fluids. Always carry a map and compass and know how to use them.