Mount Yale via Browns Pass Trail

Mount Yale is a 14,000+ foot mountain located in the Sawatch Range in Colorado. There are multiple ways to hike to the top of Mount Yale. The most common route to the summit is via Browns Pass Trail. This out and back hike is 8.5 miles long and gains 4274 feet of elevation. This hike starts from Denny Creek Trailhead in the Collegiate Peaks Wilderness. There are pit toilets available at the trailhead. Begin hiking north on Browns Pass Trail. You will be hiking gradually uphill on a tree lined trail. The trail parallels Denny Creek. After 1 mile, you will cross over Denny Creek. Another 0.2 miles will bring you to a junction. Turn right onto Mount Yale Trail here. Continue hiking uphill on Mount Yale Trail. You will be hiking amongst trees and near an unnamed creek. After another 1.6 miles of hiking, you will emerge above the treeline. Follow the trail as it switches back up a rocky slope. After 1.2 miles, you will reach a saddle. From here, the summit is not yet visible, but you will be able to see the rocky ridge that leads to the summit. There will be a bit of scrambling involved to reach the summit. Follow cairns along the ridge for 0.2 miles to reach the summit of Mount Yale. From the summit, you will have tremendous views in all directions. On a clear day, you will be able to see Mount Harvard, Columbia, and Princeton. You will also be able to see various other peaks in the Sawatch Range. Once you have taken ample time to rest and enjoy the views, retrace your steps to return to the trailhead. The Collegiate Peaks Wilderness is open for hiking year round. There are no associated fees to hike here. Dogs are allowed, but they must be on a leash at all times.

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.