Mt. Yale Trip Report 07/19/2016

Peak(s):	Mt. Yale - 14,200 feet
Date Posted:	07/19/2016
Date Climbed:	07/18/2016
Author:	Rob Wood

Yale was a great next step up
One joy of climbing 14ers is that each mountain is unique. Mount Yale offers a beautiful trek through a dense forest, gradual and steep climbs both below and above tree line, a short boulder scramble, one or two steps of slight exposure, and a truly impressive view from the top. For me, an early start continues to be my preferred routine and I was on the trail by 3:30. I was a little concerned, because of the dark, I would miss the turn onto the Mt. Yale Trail. Fortunately, the good info on this website noting the turn a quarter mile after the creek crossing helped tremendously as I paid extra attention to what my head lamp illuminated. The physical trail to the top of Mount Yale is another wonderful example of the hard work done by so many. I was impressed not only with the condition, but also all the rock stairs throughout (can only imagine all it took to build those!). The switchbacks up the steepest part of the trail below the ridge helped make the incline a much steadier climb. This was my first peak climb when I got to the boulder field I decided to put my trekking poles away to have my hands free for scrambling. I am sure for most, Yale's boulder field is far from challenging, but being the first time for me to face such an obstacle, I was excited to see what was ahead. Fortunately, there are a number of obvious cairns marking the way. But even so, there was a time when I found myself scrambling and losing sight of the next cairn. Fortunately, there are enough that helped get me back on track. After peaking, I then learned that scrambling down the boulders seemed much more straightforward because I could easier see the path ahead. I also liked that there was a step or two that put me much closer to an edge than I have been before. As someone who has wrestled with a fear of heights, I mention this for others that may feel similarly. I credit taking things in a thoughtful order to give me all the confidence I needed. I started with noted easier climbs of Quandary, Huron, Elbert, and DeCaLiBron. Because of those experiences, I truly was comfortable every step to the top of Yale.

Yale was a great next step up

One joy of climbing 14ers is that each mountain is unique. Mount Yale offers a beautiful trek through a dense forest, gradual and steep climbs both below and above tree line, a short boulder scramble, one or two steps of slight exposure, and a truly impressive view from the top.

For me, an early start continues to be my preferred routine and I was on the trail by 3:30. I was a little concerned, because of the dark, I would miss the turn onto the Mt. Yale Trail. Fortunately, the good info on this website noting the turn a quarter mile after the creek crossing helped tremendously as I paid extra attention to what my head lamp illuminated.

The physical trail to the top of Mount Yale is another wonderful example of the hard work done by so many. I was impressed not only with the condition, but also all the rock stairs throughout (can only imagine all it took to build those!). The switchbacks up the steepest part of the trail below the ridge helped make the incline a much steadier climb.

This was my first peak climb when I got to the boulder field I decided to put my trekking poles away to have my hands free for scrambling. I am sure for most, Yale's boulder field is far from challenging, but being the first time for me to face such an obstacle, I was excited to see what was ahead. Fortunately, there are a number of obvious cairns marking the way. But even so, there was a time when I found myself scrambling and losing sight of the next cairn. Fortunately, there are enough that helped get me back on track.

After peaking, I then learned that scrambling down the boulders seemed much more straightforward because I could easier see the path ahead. I also liked that there was a step or two that put me much closer to an edge than I have been before. As someone who has wrestled with a fear of heights, I mention this for others that may feel similarly. I credit taking things in a thoughtful order to give me all the confidence I needed. I started with noted easier climbs of Quandary, Huron, Elbert, and DeCaLiBron. Because of those experiences, I truly was comfortable every step to the top of Yale.

Comments or Questions

MtnLover	sounds great 7/22/2016 2:11pm Thanks for a nice report, you have me thinking I may have to fit Yale into my plans for this summer.
ScottHendrick	Mt. Yale 7/22/2016 3:13pm My wife and I climbed Mt. Yale (from Denny Creek trailhead) on July 11th. We agree that this is a very nice hike with a well-defined and well-maintained trail. Its quite a scenic mountain compared to some other fourteeners. Scott

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