Mt. Yale, May 17, 2012

Mount Yale

El: 14,196

Route:  Ascended East Ridge, Descended Southwest Slopes

Trailhead: Avalanche Gulch

Elevation Gain: Aprox. 4,826'

Round Trip mileage: 10.6 miles
Start Time/Finish Time: 6:27 AM/ 1:30 PM
Summit Time: 10:30 AM


The Sawatch Range in Colorado boasts the highest concentration of 14,000 foot mountains anywhere in the United States, so I decided it was worth staying in the area to bag at least one other peak near Buena Vista.  I decided on Mount Yale for it's easy accessibility.  When you drive a passenger cat it is always relieving to find a road to the trailhead which is paved.  I camped out at the Collegiate Peaks Campground on Cottonwood Pass Road (CR 307), waking up early to begin my climb from the Avalanche Gully Trailhead at 6:27 AM.

Much like Mt. Princeton, Mt. Yale yielded very few technical difficulties, but what I encountered was a much colder day than two days ago.  And the wind was intense, and hindered my progress just a little.  My ski gloves stayed on for most of the day, as well as wind protection layers.  Even with the less than favorable weather, it did not deter other climbers from climbing Mt. Yale.

About two minutes after I arrived at the summit, I met a fellow climber, who had come up from the opposite route (the southwest slopes).  Coincidentally, I had read a trip report he posted just last week on 14ers.com, the largest information source on Colorado's highest mountains, under the name "Rcizzle".  I joined him on the descent and learned he has climbed over 40 14er's and it was a great opportunity to learn about the other peaks.  An added bonus,  I was able to save 2.9 miles of walking along the Cottonwood Pass Road, as he gave me a ride back to Avalanche Gulch.

Not a bad view to start the day!  Cottonwood Lake is on the left, seen from the Colorado Trail

On the ridge between Pt. 12,505' and Pt. 13,605' (which blocks Mt. Yale)

After passing Pt. 13,605 Mt. Yale comes clearly in to view.  Only another 600 vertical feet to go!

At the summit. Mt. Harvard and Mt. Columbia are to the right of me.