From the Buena Vista city limit sign on the north side of town, drive north 7.2 miles on Highway 24 to Riverside, and turn west on Chaffee County 368. Turn right at a sign indicating Frenchman Creek. At about 8,800 feet, the road forks and there are camping opportunities. Stay left at this fork.

If you do not have 4WD, do not proceed further on the road. Your hike begins here. This road is narrow and steep with several rocky moments. 2 steep and dusty sections can be slippery and boggy in wet conditions. 4WD takes you 1.5 miles further up the road, which winds through the forest, over tree covered ridge tops and side sloping stretches. At a dead end atop a steep rise, your hike begins in a tight but level parking area nestled in the trees suitable for about five or six vehicles. The road, labled as the Harvard Trail on 7.5 minute topo maps, is moderate in difficulty.

Route Description

From the end of the road, follow the trail as it heads west. Just past a register station is the crossing of Frenchman Creek. Just over a mile later, a sign of metal saying "closed to all motorized vehicles" will be encountered. 45 feet beyond is the Main Range/Colorado Trail trail intersection, but continue up the Harvard trail westward. A sign indicates the route as Frenchman Creek. 100 feet beyond is a fine, large camping area with water nearby. Go through this area west, turning northwest at the end of a fallen tree trunk. Drop down and cross a stream before continuing west up the drainage.

At timberline are some good camping spots along Frenchman Creek if you would like to linger in the area over night. This spot is just over halfway to the summit. Just beyond the camp sites, the trail climbs into a broad, beautiful basin between Columbia (left) and Harvard's sweeping slopes (right). The east end of Harvard's summit ridge is seen from here. Above the gully, the trail crosses to Frenchman Creek's north side and leads a contouring route above the marshes toward Mount Harvard.

Follow the trail around the north side of the basin. When it dies off, you'll find yourself on high, rolling tundra. Climb west up a steep wall of tundra that levels off slightly as you approach Harvard's south ridge. You may intercept a climber's trail on this ridge, which can be followed (Class 1). A direct approach due WNW toward the east end of Harvard's summit ridge goes well and climbs fast (Class 2).

Go to the left (south) side of the rock pinnacle that marks the east end of Harvard's summit ridge. Scramble through a boulder field (Class 2) to a tiny saddle at the base of a towering rock buttress. Skirt to the north (right) side of this buttress on a loose scrambler's trail (Class 2) that will lead you around the Class 3 difficulties. Loose rock is the price. A more solid and rewarding scramble goes directly up the face of this ridge (Class 3). After an initial climb of about 60 feet, another 100 feet of great Class 3 climbing follows up the right side of the nose of this ridge. The rock is solid and exposure is moderate. Traffic areas are apparent on both routes.

Traverse the ridge further west another 1/8 mile, which involves more Class 2 climbing. Near the summit, Class 2 options may be possible with some judicious route finding. A good, solid Class 3 move around a boulder is actually the way to go. Exposure is minute. A less exposed but awkward move that works for beginners is on the south side of this boulder, scooting beneath an overhang. The summit is 40 feet beyond and is actually the most exposed part of the climb.

Return the same route. Be sure to stay left at the MAIN RANGE TRAIL intersection on your return! Look for and go past the CLOSED TO ALL MOTORIZED VEHICLES sign. Round trip distance from the end of the jeep road: 10 miles, half of which is above timberline. Add 3 miles round trip if you hike the 4WD portion of the road .

Mt. Columbia can be climbed via this route as well, adding considerable time if done on the same day. See essential gear section.

Route originally developed and contributed by Aaron Johnson.

Essential Gear

Utilizing the 4WD road makes this a nice day hike, but this approach also makes for a wonderful overnight outing as well. Standard hiking gear will do. A very early start is essential since half of your day is spent above timberline. Overnight gear and provisions should be brought in accordance to the duration of your stay.

Early season or winter trips would be lengthy and difficult due to access concerns. The drainage just before the basin is narrow and avalanche danger would be formidable. Full winter gear would be required in this case, although the route is not recommended for winter ascents due to the aformentioned concerns.

Miscellaneous Info

If you have information about this route that doesn't pertain to any of the other sections, please add it here.

Images