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Mt. Yale

Peak Condition Updates  
11/7/2023
Route: Southwest Slopes
Posted On: 11/8/2023, By: Fred C Dobbs
Info: Trail up to the treeline is well packed and visible. Once you exit into the wide, flat approach, the trail is nearly invisible and the drifts are a little deeper than I expected in places. On the route to the ridge, knee deep snow in places, and at a couple points I had to ascend straight up- I had no idea where the switchbacks were. Extreme wind all the way up to the ridge. Ridge to summit: a little snow but a very fun scramble. Snow in the next few days will probably up the difficulty. FCD 
11/4/2023
Route: East Ridge
Posted On: 11/8/2023, By: Talschauder
Info: Very deep snow from saddle on, hiked in micro spikes, not nearly enough. Would have recommended snow shoes or skis. Scrambling was a fun class 3, however there is definitely real avy concern here atm. If you do attempt, make sure to have your gaiters, avy gear, and start earlier. 
10/14/2023
Route: Southwest Slopes
Posted On: 10/14/2023, By: sglow319
Info: Trail is tracked through the trees - hard packed snow and ice, mixed with sections of clear trail. Gets snowier as you go up, but all still walkable. We didn't use traction on the ascent (but could've a few times just to make things easier). Above tree line mostly clear with intermittent patches of ice/snow. A few snowy sections, but no issues passing through. Ridge was snowy and frosted over today; high winds made it a little sketchy, but wouldve felt a lot easier in calm conditions. It is slick, so take your time. We didnt put spikes on until the descent below tree line. Our boots had enough traction. Bring spikes and poles. 
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10/8/2023
Route: Southwest Slopes
Posted On: 10/8/2023, By: sean23
Info: I climbed in boots but wished I'd worn trail runners. Almost no snow until the summit ridge. There's enough ice and snow on the ridge to make a careless step on the ridge a little risky, but nothing to worry about if you're paying attention. The perfect October 14er 
10/7/2023
Route: Southwest Slopes
Posted On: 10/9/2023, By: raphaelroxas
Info: Muddy in some spots for the last 500 ft to the summit, then snowy/slippery in the rock hopping section at the top. 
9/29/2023
Route: Southwest Slopes
Posted On: 10/16/2023, By: JJensenBoulder
Info: Fantastic conditions. Trail was dry all the way up. A little snow around the summit but not on the trail. Absolutely beautiful fall colors in the aspen groves! 
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9/22/2023
Route: Southwest Slopes
Posted On: 9/23/2023, By: sundial
Info: HIked Yale on Fri, 9-22. Only the slightest amount of patchy snow left on the summit ridge and was not a significant factor, for that Class 2 section. Nothing else to note and trail is in excellent condition. 
9/17/2023
Route: Southwest Slopes
Posted On: 9/17/2023, By: amaccallum
Info: Climbed Mt. Yale yesterday, 9/16. Patches of snow started on the trail around treeline, but no really significant snow until the saddle near the summit, where it ranged from about 3-5". From the saddle be prepared for a snowy scramble to the summit, really increasing the difficulty from summer conditions. Quite a few people had summitted earlier in the morning, so there was a decent packed trail of sorts, we didn't need to posthole. We managed fine without spikes, but saw several people with them. On the hike down, it warmed up significantly; from near the saddle to about 12,500' there was a fair amount of slush, which may become unpleasant ice. Below that the trail was clear. From above treeline we could see there was much more snow on the other Collegiates than on Yale! I would recommend bringing microspikes and using caution on the summit ridge- leave plenty of time for it. 
9/16/2023
Route: Southwest Slopes
Posted On: 9/17/2023, By: medleyjosh
Info: did not climb it - but from La Plata, Yale looked snow-covered as of Saturday the 16th. Most peaks south within the collegiate peaks also look snow covered (Antero, Shivano, Tabaguache, etc.) 
9/1/2023
Route: Southwest Slopes
Posted On: 9/2/2023, By: Ariella6
Info: trail dry and in summer conditions. Trail is well done. Love the switchbacks and gradual incline. Also nice to have paved road to get to the trailhead. lot half full on friday at 6 am. 
8/1/2023
Route: Southwest Slopes
Posted On: 8/3/2023, By: Benito_Esposti
Info: Summer conditions. The trail is well maintained and very beautiful below treeline. The trail follows the creek up most of the way. Last chance to fill up water is ~3 miles from TH. Make sure you bring plenty of water with you from that point because it could take 2.5+ hours to summit and return to that point. Class 2 scrambling near the summit isn't too difficult. We stuck to the right (southwest) side and everything felt solid. There are a few wind covers at the summit. Watch the weather carefully, it seemed to turn much quicker near the summit of Yale than on other peaks I've been on. Not much else to note, route finding was easy and views were nice. Enjoy! 
7/25/2023
Route: Southwest Slopes
Posted On: 7/26/2023, By: Dlbma30677
Info: Summer conditions. Quite a few mosquitoes, got a few bites even though I hadn't stopped moving. recommend long sleeves or bug spray. 
7/15/2023
Route: Southwest Slopes
Posted On: 7/18/2023, By: KS_Teacher11
Info: Summer conditions. Trail is super easy to follow. Lots of elevation gain, get those calves ready. 
7/5/2023
Route: Southwest Slopes
Posted On: 7/5/2023, By: AlessiaAscent
Info: Hiked Yale with my sister this morning. Summer conditions with one small snow crossing that will probably be melted out in the next couple days. Trail is absolutely perfect, ridge is super well cairned, and wildflowers are out! GPS thought it was 9.7 miles and 4300 ft gain. Left the car at 5:30am, summited at 10am, back to the lot at 12:30pm. 
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7/2/2023
Route: East Ridge
Posted On: 7/3/2023, By: climbfuji
Info: This route is now basically snow free. There are four tiny sections of snow to traverse, none of these is steep or exposed. I spent less than two minutes on snow in total, didnt use eisen or pickel. Recommend hiking poles for all the steep sections on scree. 
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