South Slopes
Mt. Harvard · 14,420' · Rank #3
Class 2 Standard Route
14
miles RT
4,600
ft gain
Class 2
difficulty
8-11
hours
Trail Map
Trail data coming soon
We're working on adding detailed trail maps and elevation profiles for this route.
Route Details
- Distance
- 14 miles RT
- Elevation Gain
- 4,600'
- Difficulty
- Class 2
- Exposure
- Low
- Typical Time
- 8-11 hours
Trailhead
- Name
- North Cottonwood Trailhead
- Starting Elevation
- 9,900'
- Coordinates
- 38.8664°N, 106.2622°W
Parking & Access
- Parking
- Free Lot 50-100 spots
- Fee
- Free
- If Lot is Full
- Additional parking along road approaching trailhead
No Service
Free parking loop at N. Cottonwood Creek TH. High-clearance recommended for final 5+ miles on CR 365. Collegiate Peaks Wilderness.
Route Description
The standard route follows the North Cottonwood Creek drainage before turning up Horn Fork Basin. Above treeline, the route climbs moderate slopes to Harvard's broad summit. The Harvard-Columbia ridge traverse is a popular extension for strong hikers.
Gear & Preparation
Long day - start early. The North Cottonwood Creek trail has multiple crossings that can be difficult during spring runoff. Bring trekking poles for stream crossings.