Mount Yale East Ridge

The route begins and ends at the Avalanche trailhead, at 9,400 feet, and reaches the summit of Mount Yale for a round trip of about 10.5 miles. From the north side of the lot, follow the trail, shared with the Colorado Trail, through trees and up a hillside, re-entering trees near 10,100 feet. Continue north 3.25 miles to an open area on the ridge crest near 11,900 feet. Before the trail crosses to the north side, turn left, leave it, and hike about 100 yards west into the trees to a small use trail. Crux: This is the route's main navigation crux: there is no maintained trail from here to the summit. Traverse the north side of a hill for a first view of Yale's east ridge, then descend west to a 12,000-foot low point and continue over ridge bumps to steeper terrain near 12,600 feet. Crux: Near 12,900 feet, the ridge steepens at a rugged point holding the loosest terrain on the route. Stay left of it and carefully ascend loose rock and dirt to regain the crest. Cross to the south side and pass left of two rocky sub-points above 13,400 feet without summiting either, then descend to a flat spot near 13,350 feet. Climb a longer, steeper section past 13,700 feet, follow the easiest terrain to about 13,900 feet, and climb a few short, rocky pitches to the summit. Return the same way; both cruxes are just as easy to miss heading downhill.