Leadville Ranger District

Activities: Hiking
Length: Route 1 : 8.5 Miles (13.6 km) Route 2 = 9.0 Miles (14.4 km)
Season: 6/30 - 9/30
Attractions: Mount Harvard, elevation 14,420' is the 3rd highest of the 53 14,000' mountains in the State. Excellent dispersed camping and opportunities for fishing exists on both routes.

TWO ROUTES:

Route 1*
Trail Begins: 8,400' Elevation. Parking available at beginning of Harvard Trail, Forest Road 138. 4WD may continue 3.5 miles to Wilderness boundary. From there continue 1 mile to Colorado Trail, Forest Trail 1776. Cross the Colorado Trail and continue up the Frenchman Creek drainage 2.5 miles. Head WNW 1.5 miles up the ridge to the summit.

Trail Ends: 14,420' Elevation at summit of Mount Harvard, 3rd highest in the state.

Access: From Leadville travel 24 miles south on US Hwy 24 to Chaffee County Route 396. Travel SW 0.5 miles to Forest Road 138.

Use: Rte 1, Moderate


Route 2*
Trail Begins: 9,l00 Elevation. Parking available on Pine Creek Road, Forest Road 123. 4WD may continue 1/2 mile to road closure, From there follow Pine Creek Trail 2.5 miles to the Colorado Trail. Cross the bridge and continue up the valley 2.5 miles to Little John's Cabin. From Little John's Cabin cross the creek to the forge and head SE 1 mile on the South Pine Creek Trail to the top) of the ridge. Follow the 2 miles SW to the summit.

Trail Ends: 14,420' Elevation at summit of Mount Harvard.

Access: From Leadville travel south on US Hwy 24 to Granite. Continue 4 miles south to Cold Camp. Turn off highway 0.25 miles past Gold Camp onto Forest Road 123.

Use: Rte 2, High

*Note: No well defined or marked trail exists above treeline on either route to summit.
Difficulty: Low to Moderate
USGS MAP(S): Mt. Harvard 1:62500

CLIMBING THE PEAK
Technical ability or special mountain climbing experiences is not necessary to climb these routes up Mount Harvard. Good physical condition is important; however, the ascent and return requires a good full day of strenuous hiking. At this elevation where the air is thin, you will require extra energy.

SPECIAL PRECAUTIONS
The cardinal rule of experienced hikers is to turn back if in doubt. You can always make another trip if weather conditions are bad, you started too late or if someone tires rapidly. Start your trip early since showers or thunderstorms often occur in the afternoon. These storms build quickly and may bring freezing rain, sleet or snow. Avoid exposed areas, rock outcrops, lone tall trees, and other natural lightning rods. There are no shelters on the peak. Temperatures seldom are above 50 F and often drop below freezing.

Wear proper clothing with special attention to boots and a lightweight, warm and waterproof jacket. As a minimum, you should carry a day-pack with lunch, quick energy snacks, water, sunglasses, sunburn lotion, and a small first aid kit. Don't forget your camera.

Snowfield and gullies can be treacherous. Don't slide down these slopes. The gradient can be deceptive, and you can quickly loose control.

Stick to the known trails. Be sure to advise relatives or friends of your trip, route and schedule. Stay with your party or group. Winter climbing is not advised.

CAMPING
Campsites are available at Elbert Creek or Halfmoon Camp grounds. Suitable backpacking campsites are located about various points along the routes. Please use one of these already existing sites rather than making your own. Practice Wilderness ethics and tread lightly.

WATER
Several springs and various creeks along all routes. This water should not be considered safe drinking without purification.

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