From the trailhead (
1), take the excellent trail downhill to a bridge crossing, and follow it for 1.4 miles to another bridge (
2). Shortly after crossing it, you'll arrive at a trail junction
(
3). Stay right for Horn Fork Basin and Bear Lake. Continue hiking for nearly 2 miles, staying left at the junction for Mt. Columbia (
4). Hike a bit higher to reach tree line at 11,500', where Harvard comes into view (
5). This area offers many dispersed camping spots. Proceed east and then north into Horn Fork Basin
.
Weave through willows and cross a stream as you approach the basin's north end (
6). Above 12,000', the trail steepens (
7). Continue higher to reach the Bear Lake
trail junction. Stay right and continue up to a flat area near 12,500' (
8). Next, you'll climb a rugged talus section to gain a shoulder. Using the trail constructed by the Colorado Fourteeners Initiative, ascend through the talus (
9). Above this tedious section, arrive at the crest of the shoulder
at 13,000'. At this point, you'll have a clear view of the remaining route (
10). Cross the upper basin and ascend the slope below Harvard's south ridge, following cairns, rock steps, and a relatively well-defined trail (
11). Be careful to stay on the trail as it switchbacks up to the ridge (
12).
At the ridge, turn right and hike north along the ridge's right side toward the summit (
13). Finally, you'll reach the final pitch, which is the crux of the route (
14,
15). The rock on this pitch is mostly stable, and there is a way to keep the difficulty at "Difficult" Class 2, even though it's not obvious (
16,
17). Take your time and choose your route carefully as you gain the summit of Colorado's 3rd highest 14er (
18,
19).
GPX Track File
