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- Mount Harvard
14,420 ft · Sawatch Range, Colorado
Mount Harvard
Mount Harvard is a 14,420 ft peak in the Sawatch Range, Colorado. The standard route is the South Slopes: 13 mi, 4,600 ft of gain, Class 2.
Mount Harvard at a glance
- Elevation14,420 ft4,395 m
- RouteSouth SlopesClass 2
- Distance13 mi4,600 ft gain
- Time8 – 12 hrsVery Hard effort
- SeasonJun – Sep
- RangeSawatch RangeColorado
Climbing the South Slopes
From Buena Vista, Colorado, take Highway 24 south and turn onto the North Cottonwood Creek Road. High clearance helpful for the rough upper road section. The approach follows the creek through forest before climbing to alpine terrain. This is Colorado's third highest peak and the second highest in the Sawatch Range. Long approach with steady climbing. Often combined with Mount Columbia via the connecting ridge, though this makes for a very demanding day. Start early for afternoon weather. Class 2 terrain throughout. Less crowded than nearby Elbert and Massive despite the impressive elevation.
Gear and hazards
What to bring
Backpack (25–35 L)
Water
Offline Maps
Headlamp
Satellite Communicator
Whistle
Sunglasses
Sunscreen
Hiking Boots
Midlayer
Insulated Jacket
Hardshell Jacket
Sun Hat
Warm Hat
Buff
Midweight Gloves
Trekking Poles
GPS Device
Power Bank
Water Filter
First-Aid Kit
Emergency Bivy
What to watch for
- Storms
- Rockfall
- Low visibility
- Steep exposure
- High altitude
- Altitude sickness
- High winds
- Snow near summit
- Ice near summit
- Loose rock
Mount Harvard on Yak
Climbers have shared 22 climbs of Mount Harvard on Yak. Read their trip reports and recent conditions in the app
Quests with Mount Harvard
Colorado 14ers
Lower 48 14ers
Colorado CentennialsPeaks near Mount Harvard
Frequently asked questions
How tall is Mount Harvard?
Mount Harvard is 14,420 feet (4,395 m) tall. It is in the Sawatch Range, Colorado.
How does Mount Harvard rank among the Colorado 14ers?
At 14,420 feet, Mount Harvard is the 3rd highest of the 58 Colorado 14ers. The highest is Mount Elbert.
How hard is it to hike Mount Harvard?
The South Slopes is Class 2, which means off-trail hiking with some use of your hands for balance. Yak rates the overall effort very hard: 13 miles with 4,600 feet of elevation gain.
How long does it take to hike Mount Harvard?
Most people take 8 – 12 hours round trip on the South Slopes, covering 13 miles with 4,600 feet of elevation gain. That is a long day, so start before dawn and set a turnaround time.
Can a beginner hike Mount Harvard?
The South Slopes needs no climbing skills, but it is a very hard day: 13 miles with 4,600 feet of elevation gain. Build up on shorter hikes first, start early and carry plenty of water and layers.
Will you get altitude sickness on Mount Harvard?
You might. Most people feel the altitude above 8,000 feet, and Mount Harvard reaches 14,420 feet. Spend a night or two at elevation first, drink plenty of water and turn back if a headache, nausea or dizziness gets worse.
What time should you start hiking Mount Harvard?
Early. Afternoon thunderstorms are common in summer, so aim to be off the summit and the exposed upper mountain by early afternoon. At 8 – 12 hours round trip, many parties start in the dark.
When is the best time to hike Mount Harvard?
The usual hiking window is June to September. Outside it, expect snow, storms or closed access, and check the summit forecast before you go.
What is the trailhead elevation for Mount Harvard?
The South Slopes starts at about 9,890 feet, roughly 4,530 feet below the summit.
What routes go up Mount Harvard?
The standard route is the South Slopes. Other routes include the Combo: Harvard and Columbia Traverse.
Climb Mount Harvard with Yak
Plan your route on a topo map, check the summit forecast, then log your climb and see what is left on your list