Route Description

From U.S. 24 in the center of Buena Vista, take the County 306 road towards Cottonwood Pass. Drive 12 miles on this road to reach the Denny Creek Trailhead and paved parking area on the right.

Details:

Photo #1 shows the upper route, seen from the 306 road. From the middle of the parking area, follow the trail north into the forest. After 1 mile, cross the Denny Creek stream on a log bridge. Near 1.25 miles from the trailhead, locate the Mt. Yale trail that turns up to the right - Photo #2. There is a sign at this trail junction - straight is for Browns Pass/Hartenstein Lake and right is for Mt. Yale. Turn right and proceed up the Mt. Yale trail. Weave through the forest and eventually parallel the stream in Delaney Gulch.

Near 11,200', cross the Delaney Gulch stream on a log bridge - Photo #3. Shortly after some small meadows, the trail climbs steeply up a hillside. From 11,300' to 11,900', hike northeast and then east through the forest. Leave the trees at 12,000' and continue east as the trail approaches a large shoulder - Photo #4. Once on the shoulder, the trail turns northeast toward Yale's upper west slopes. Much of the remainder of the route is now visible - Photo #5 and Photo #6. Continue northeast on the solid, gravel-covered trail. Near 13,200', begin the steep climb up the slope left of the summit - Photo #7. Grind up 750' of elevation gain to reach the saddle at the top of the slope (13,960').

Turn right (southeast) to see the ridge that leads the summit - Photo #8. Climb up into the rocks and the trail quickly disappears but cairns often show the way. Scramble along the ridge crest or work your way along the right side. Take your time and you will find an easy way through any difficulties. Photo #9 was taken along the ridge and Photo #10 just before the summit. Continue to the spacious summit. Photo #11, Photo #12 and Photo #13 were taken from the top.