Mount Yale from Denny Creek Trailhead

The route begins and ends at Denny Creek Trailhead (9,930') and reaches the summit of Mount Yale (14,196'). From the trailhead, follow the broad trail north into forest. At 1 mile, cross Denny Creek on a log bridge. At 1.3 miles, reach the Hartenstein Lake junction and turn right, staying on the Mount Yale Trail. Continue climbing through forest for the next 2 miles, crossing Delaney Gulch's stream on a log bridge near 11,200'. The trail then climbs steeply north, then east, up a hillside. Above 12,100', the trail leaves the trees and ascends rocky terrain to a broad shoulder. From the shoulder, turn northeast toward Yale's upper west slopes. Climb 750 vertical feet to a saddle at 13,950' on Yale's northwest ridge. Crux: the final 0.3 mile along the ridge to the summit is Class 2 — loose rock and short scrambling moves with real exposure on either side. About 90% of the route below this point is Class 1 walking. Descend the same route. An alternate approach climbs from Avalanche Trailhead, 9.1 miles up the same road, adding about a mile and 700 vertical feet but avoiding the crowds on this standard line. This approach follows Yale's to East Ridge Trail, a more technically challenging route.

Ivy leaguers formerly had a tradition of carrying stones to the summit of their eponymous 14er so as to increase its elevation. Mt. Princeton, one foot higher than Yale, has thus been the bane of many a sore, stone-carrying Yalie.