Peak Challenge - Conquering Collegiate Peaks: A Journey to the Summit of Mount Harvard

 


Link to All Photos from the Trip

Link to Video from the Trip

The allure of Colorado's majestic 14ers, those peaks soaring above 14,000 feet, is a siren song for any avid hiker. This summer, after much deliberation, my sights were set on Mount Harvard, a formidable peak in the Collegiate Peaks Wilderness. Its reputation as a grueling 14-mile trek with nearly 4,600 feet of elevation gain only fueled my determination.

A Rocky Start

My pre-hike routine was a picture of tranquility: meditation, yoga, and a leisurely breakfast. However, fate, in the form of a flat tire, had other plans. My generous friend and designated driver arrived with the unfortunate news. A trip to the tire shop, a delicious detour for lunch at Simple Greek, and finally, we were on our way to Buena Vista.


The scenic drive through the mountains was a soothing prelude to the challenge ahead. Arriving in the charming town of Buena Vista, we settled into our cozy cabin and enjoyed a lively dinner at Casa Sanchez. The delicious Mexican fare and friendly atmosphere provided a welcome respite before the early morning wake-up call.

Embracing the Darkness


1:30 AM. The alarm jolted us awake. After a quick prep, we set off into the darkness, the only souls stirring in the quiet town. Reaching the trailhead at 2:55 AM, we were surprised to find the parking lot overflowing. Clearly, we weren't the only ones with their sights set on conquering Mount Harvard. We managed to snag the last spot, a testament to our early arrival.

Headlamps illuminated the trail as we began our ascent at 3:10 AM. The sound of Horn Creek, a rushing companion in the darkness, filled the air. We carefully navigated the narrow path, mindful of the steep drop-off to the creek below.

As we climbed, the forest canopy opened up, revealing a breathtaking expanse of stars. A group of energetic young women overtook us, their pace brisk and determined. We crossed paths a few times, exchanging greetings and encouragement, but their youthful energy eventually outpaced our steady rhythm.

Dawn's Embrace and a False Summit




As dawn approached, the world around us transformed. The first rays of sunlight painted the peaks in hues of gold and pink, revealing a stunning panorama of wildflowers. Reaching the treeline, we took a fateful wrong turn at an unmarked fork. Thankfully, a quick check of the AllTrails map on my phone saved us from a lengthy detour towards Mount Columbia.





Back on track, we enjoyed a well-deserved breakfast break at the treeline, Mount Harvard's summit now visible in the distance. The trail continued through alpine tundra, eventually leading us to the first talus field. The rocky terrain demanded careful footing, but the views of the valley below were worth every step.




Reaching the saddle, we were greeted by a breathtaking vista of Bear Lake and a towering cairn marking our progress. Even at this altitude, tiny wildflowers defied the harsh environment, a testament to nature's resilience. In the distance, we spotted the group of women descending from Mount Harvard's summit, already traversing towards Mount Columbia.



The final push to the summit was the most challenging. The trail steepened, leading us through another talus field and eventually requiring some scrambling over large boulders. But the sense of accomplishment as we reached the narrow summit at 11:15 AM was exhilarating.

A Summit to Remember





Surrounded by a sea of peaks, with Mount Columbia tantalizingly close, we basked in the panoramic views. The weather was perfect – clear skies, no wind, and a comfortable temperature. After capturing the moment in photos and videos, I savored a quick sandwich lunch, marveling at the 7-mile journey we had made from the trailhead far below.

At 11:50 AM, we began our descent, carefully navigating the boulder field and talus slopes. The saddle appeared quickly, and soon we were back at the treeline, the long 5-mile trek through the forest ahead.



The descent alongside Horn Creek was surprisingly picturesque, with cascading waterfalls and moss-covered rocks adding a touch of magic to the landscape. We maintained a steady pace, hydrating regularly and enjoying the scenery.



Five hours later, we reached the trailhead, exhausted but exhilarated. The hike had been a test of endurance and a feast for the senses. We loaded our gear and headed back to Buena Vista, stopping for a well-deserved takeout order of pho from the surprisingly delicious Elkhorn Pizza and Pho.

A Sweet Farewell

The next morning, we bid farewell to our cozy cabin and enjoyed a hearty breakfast at Jan's, a local favorite recommended by our cabin manager. The friendly atmosphere and delicious food were the perfect send-off.

As we drove back to Denver, reflecting on our adventure, I realized that Mount Harvard was more than just another peak conquered. It was a testament to the power of perseverance, the beauty of nature's resilience, and the joy of shared experiences. The memory of that summit, bathed in the golden light of dawn, will forever hold a special place in my heart.



Location: Mt Harvard, Colorado 81211, USA

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