The 3rd highest peak in Colorado is located in the
Collegiate Peaks Wilderness of the San Isabel National Forest, just northwest of the town of Buena Vista. Unlike Mounts Princeton, Antero, Yale and Columbia, Harvard isn't as visible from paved roads as you drive through the Arkansas River Valley. If you want to see Harvard in all its grandeur, you'll have to drive to the trailhead and hike to the peak. Climbing Mt. Harvard via its
standard and easiest route involves backpacking into Horn Fork Basin from the
North Cottonwood Creek Trailhead. The trail ascends almost all the way to the summit, but you’ll need to scramble through rocky terrain near the top.
Frequently Asked Questions about Mt. Harvard
Can I hike Mount Harvard and Mount Columbia together?
Yes, Mount Harvard and Mount Columbia share the exact same standard trailhead (North Cottonwood) and are very frequently climbed together. Elite or high-endurance hikers often choose to bag both summits in a single, massive 15-mile day via a combination traverse route. Alternatively, many climbers backpack into the Horn Fork Basin to set up a base camp, allowing them to summit Mount Harvard on day one and tackle Mount Columbia on the subsequent day.
What is the terrain like on the final climb to Mount Harvard's summit?
While the lower miles are spent on a smooth, well-defined dirt trail through the woods, the final push up the standard South Ridge turns into rugged, rocky Class 2 terrain. The very last 50 feet below the true summit block requires some basic, hands-on movement across large, solid granite boulders. It is a highly enjoyable finish, but hikers must watch their footing and maintain focus, as the boulder block features minor exposure.
Is Mount Harvard good for beginner 14er hikers?
Mount Harvard is the fourth-highest peak in Colorado, and while its standard South Ridge route is a non-technical Class 2 hike, it is not recommended for absolute beginners. The trek requires a long round-trip distance and a demanding 4,600 feet of vertical elevation gain. It demands excellent stamina, strong cardiovascular physical conditioning, and solid pacing skills to safely navigate the long alpine approach.
How do I get to the standard Harvard/Columbia trailhead?
The standard access point is the North Cottonwood Trailhead located just outside of Buena Vista. The dirt road leading to the trailhead is generally well-maintained and accessible to most standard 2WD passenger cars and low-clearance vehicles during the summer. However, parking spaces in the main lot are limited and fill up rapidly on weekend mornings, so arriving early or choosing a weekday hike is highly recommended.
Additional Mt. Harvard History
Mount Columbia
