Mount Harvard South Slopes

This route begins and ends at Cottonwood Creek trailhead (9,900') and reaches the summit of Mount Harvard at 14,421'. From the trailhead, follow the trail downhill to a bridge crossing, then continue 1.4 miles to a second bridge. Just past it, reach a junction and stay right for Horn Fork Basin. Continue nearly 2 miles, staying left at the junction for Mt. Columbia, and climb to treeline at 11,500', where Harvard comes into view; this area has many dispersed campsites. Head east, then north into Horn Fork Basin. Weave through willows and cross a stream near the basin's north end. Above 12,000' the trail steepens; continue to the Bear Lake trail junction, stay right, and climb to a flat area near 12,500'. Ascend a rugged talus section on trail built by the Colorado Fourteeners Initiative to gain a shoulder at 13,000', where the rest of the route comes into view. Cross the upper basin and climb the slope below Harvard's south ridge, following cairns and rock steps on a fairly well-defined trail, switchbacking carefully up to the ridge. At the ridge, turn right and hike north along its right side toward the summit. Crux: On the final pitch of the route the rock is becomes less stable, and there's a way to keep the difficulty at a hard Class 2, though it isn't obvious. Choose your line carefully to reach the 14,421' summit. Turn around and follow your ascent trail back down.