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- Mount Yale
14,199 ft · Sawatch Range, Colorado
Mount Yale
Mount Yale is a 14,199 ft peak in the Sawatch Range, Colorado. The standard route is the Southwest Slopes: 9 mi, 4,300 ft of gain, Class 2.
Mount Yale at a glance
- Elevation14,199 ft4,327 m
- RouteSouthwest SlopesClass 2
- Distance9 mi4,300 ft gain
- Time7 – 9 hrsVery Hard effort
- SeasonJun – Sep
- RangeSawatch RangeColorado
Climbing the Southwest Slopes
From Buena Vista, Colorado, take Highway 24 south and turn onto County Road 306 (Cottonwood Pass Road) to the trailhead. The standard route follows the Colorado Trail briefly before climbing through forest to the alpine ridge. Limited water sources on the upper mountain so carry enough. Class 2 terrain with some loose rock near the summit. Often climbed as a standalone peak or combined with other Collegiate Peaks. Start early for afternoon weather. The summit offers great views of the surrounding Sawatch Range. One of the more moderate Collegiate Peaks.
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
- Steep exposure
- Loose rock
- Storms
- High altitude
- Altitude sickness
- High winds
- Snow near summit
- Ice near summit
- Low visibility
Mount Yale on Yak
Climbers have shared 40 climbs of Mount Yale on Yak. Read their trip reports and recent conditions in the app
Quests with Mount Yale
Colorado 14ers
Lower 48 14ers
Colorado CentennialsPeaks near Mount Yale
Frequently asked questions
How tall is Mount Yale?
Mount Yale is 14,199 feet (4,327 m) tall. It is in the Sawatch Range, Colorado.
How does Mount Yale rank among the Colorado 14ers?
At 14,199 feet, Mount Yale is the 21st highest of the 58 Colorado 14ers. The highest is Mount Elbert.
How hard is it to hike Mount Yale?
The Southwest Slopes is Class 2, which means off-trail hiking with some use of your hands for balance. Yak rates the overall effort very hard: 9 miles with 4,300 feet of elevation gain.
How long does it take to hike Mount Yale?
Most people take 7 – 9 hours round trip on the Southwest Slopes, covering 9 miles with 4,300 feet of elevation gain, so most people do it in a day.
Can a beginner hike Mount Yale?
The Southwest Slopes needs no climbing skills, but it is a very hard day: 9 miles with 4,300 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 Yale?
You might. Most people feel the altitude above 8,000 feet, and Mount Yale reaches 14,199 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 Yale?
Early. Afternoon thunderstorms are common in summer, so aim to be off the summit and the exposed upper mountain by early afternoon.
When is the best time to hike Mount Yale?
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 Yale?
The Southwest Slopes starts at about 9,910 feet, roughly 4,289 feet below the summit.
What routes go up Mount Yale?
The standard route is the Southwest Slopes. Other routes include the East Ridge.
Climb Mount Yale 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