From the north side of the lot and start up the excellent trail (also the Colorado Trail). Walk through the trees and ascend a hillside (
1) before re-entering the trees near 10,100' -
2. Follow the trail north for a total of 3.25 miles to an open area on the ridge crest, near 11,900' -
3. Before the trail goes over to the north side, turn left, leave the trail and hike west into the trees. Walk about 100 yards west and pick up a small trail leaving the trees. Traverse up the north side of a hill (
4) to get your first view of Yale's east ridge -
5.
Descend west along the ridge (
6) to reach the a 12,000-foot low point -
7,
8. Continue around a few ridge bumps to reach steeper terrain near 12,600' -
9. Near 12,800', the ridge steepens and you'll reach a rugged, 12,900-foot point that holds some of the loosest terrain on this route -
10. Hike to the left side (
11) of the point and carefully ascend loose rock and dirt to regain the ridge crest -
12. Continue on easier terrain (
13) to reach a clump of white rock, just left of a some rugged, higher points -
14. After crossing to the south side of the ridge, continue along the left side of the first of a two 13,400-foot-plus points -
15. You don't have to climb to the top of either point. Once you're past the first point, pass below the taller, 13,420-foot one (
16) and regain the ridge crest. Taken from higher on the route,
17 looks back at this rugged area.
Descend slightly to reach a flat spot (approx. 13,350') below the next set of difficulties -
18. Cross the gentle terrain to reach 13,400' and more rock outcroppings -
19. Pass the initial point on either side and then ascend a steep, longer section -
20. Near 13,700', follow the easiest terrain along the ridge to reach 13,900' -
21,
22,
23. Climb a few more short, rocky pitches (
24) and the summit comes into view -
25. Walk over to the top -
26,
27.
GPX Track File
