1 and
2 show the upper route to Harvard's summit. Locate the trail, walk down to a bridge crossing and follow the excellent trail for 1.4 miles to another bridge -
3. Shortly after that crossing, you'll reach a trail junction
-
4. Stay right for Horn Fork Basin and Bear Lake. Hike another 2+ miles to tree line at 11,500' where Harvard can be seen ahead -
5. There are many dispersed camp spots in this area. Continue east then north into Horn Fork Basin
. Weave through willows and cross a stream as you approach the north end of the basin -
6. From tree line, hike more than 1.5 miles up through Horn Fork to a trail junction
for Bear Lake and Harvard -
7. Stay right and follow the trail to a flat area near 12,600' -
8.
Next, you need to gain a shoulder on the east side of Unnamed Peak 13,588'. Stay on the well-defined trail as it enters a talus field on the south side of the shoulder (
9) and switchback up the rocky terrain to reach the crest of the shoulder
. Now at 12,900', you can see the remaining route -
10 and
11. Cross the upper basin and ascend the steep slope below Harvard's south ridge, following cairns, rock steps and a fairly well-defined trail -
12. Take your time to stay on the trail as it switchbacks up the slope to reach the ridge -
13.
Turn right and hike north along the right side of the ridge, toward the summit -
14. Finally, near 14,375', reach the summit pitch and crux of the route -
15. Pick your line through the stable rock to reach the summit
-
16 and
17. If you take your time and look for the easiest way up the final pitch, the difficulty can be kept to Class 2.
