Mount Yale · East Ridge

From U.S. 24 in the center of Buena Vista, take the County Road 306 towards Cottonwood Pass. Drive about 9 miles on 306 to reach the trailhead on the right.

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.

This route is longer and more difficult than the standard route from Denny Creek. It has some loose rock and steep hiking, without a trail. IMPORTANT: This route enters the Collegiate Peaks Wilderness area. Designated wilderness areas have special regulations and restrictions for party size, dispersed camping, campfires, etc. Also, dog owners should read the wilderness information carefully because some wilderness areas prohibit dogs to be off-leash and/or limit how close dogs can be to lakes and streams. If you have questions about the wilderness area, please contact a U.S. Forest Service office for the National Forest(s) listed above.