Log In 
Peak(s):  Mt. Yale  -  14,200 feet
Date Posted:  08/24/2005
Date Climbed:   08/24/2005
Author:  tay8000m
 Mt. Yale - Denny Creek TH (West Slopes)   

Mt. Yale - Denny Creek TH (West Slopes)

I summitted Yale on 8/24 via the standard west slopes route described in this web site. The description is very good. The trail is straight forward and as described on the website. There is a significant amount of contouring along the trail (up and down) in an easterly direction before you finally break out above timber line. Once on the ridge at 13,900 feet the route becomes more problematic and requres Class 3 scrambling (IMHO) to get around a rock buttress. I climbed directly over the first small buttress after reaching the ridge, but climbed to the left (north) around the large buttress. There is a narrow ledge which traverses some of this distance but does require some down climbing of around 30 feet off the ridge. I then regained the ridge on the east side of the buttress and again climbed over the scree on a small "bump" before reaching the summit at the easterly end of the ridge. This route is not a problem for dogs up to the ridge crest at 13,900, but I would not bring one up to the summit. My cell did not work on the summit. Good views of Harvard, Columbia, Princeton and the Buena Vista Valley. Weather was stable with light winds and broken clouds. Summit was 11:00AM after a 6:30 AM start. Return to TH was at 1:30PM. I camped the night before at a small un-official camp ground 1/4 mile down the road from the TH on the right (south) side of the road and along the creek. This was a pleasant area and was my preference to the Forest Service campground ( fee) further down valley.



Comments or Questions

   Not registered?


Caution: The information contained in this report may not be accurate and should not be the only resource used in preparation for your climb. Failure to have the necessary experience, physical conditioning, supplies or equipment can result in injury or death. 14ers.com and the author(s) of this report provide no warranties, either express or implied, that the information provided is accurate or reliable. By using the information provided, you agree to indemnify and hold harmless 14ers.com and the report author(s) with respect to any claims and demands against them, including any attorney fees and expenses. Please read the 14ers.com Safety and Disclaimer pages for more information.


Please respect private property: 14ers.com supports the rights of private landowners to determine how and by whom their land will be used. In Colorado, it is your responsibility to determine if land is private and to obtain the appropriate permission before entering the property.