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Mt. Yale

© Virginia O'Connor

Introduction

Mt. Yale is a fourteener in the San Isabel National Forest. It is considered one of the collegiate peaks - all peaks named for famous colleges. Mt. Yale is not considered a particularly technical fourteener, despite the serious boulder scrambling across the ridge at the top. It is a fourteener you can bag in a single day with an early start.

Trail Rating

• Boots: This is absolutely a four-boot trail
• Kids: Nope, probably only teens could do this trail
• Dogs: Yes, but pack water for them
• Facilities: Yes, at the trailhead only

What to Bring

Everything. If you are climbing a fourteener in late October, you must count on running into weather. Pack plenty of water for yourself and the dog(s). Pack plenty of high-energy snacks, such as apples, carrots, peanut butter, raisins, and breakfast bars.

Wear an under layer of warm long johns. Wear a middle layer that includes a long-sleeved shirt. Wear an outer layer that is warm enough for the temperatures and water resistent. In late October, wear gloves and a warm hat. Of course, your hiking boots are required material.

How to Get There

From Colorado Springs, take Highway 24 west all the way to Buena Vista. Stay right at the town of Buena Vista on West 24. You will see the peaks on your left and there are signs to tell you tha name of each peak and the relative elevation. Turn left at Main Street, you will be driving toward the peaks. You will pass a sign for San Isabel National Forest. Turn into the Denny Creek parking lot on the right. This is the trailhead to Mt. Yale.

Trail Specifics

Mt. Yale in late October is a bit of a risk in that you can run into bad weather very quickly. Colorado is known for its October snowstorms that put a quick end to fall and head everyone properly into the winter season.

The trailhead for Mt. Yale is well-marked and easy to find. The trail itself is mostly easy to follow except in some places above the tree line. The trail travels near a creek for the first part, and you may (or may not) let the dog(s) drink from this creek to conserve water. Be careful as you cross this creek because many of the rocks look wet, but they are actually covered in ice and you will slip and get soaked. I know this because I did it.

Mt. Yale is hard to see through the trees, but above the tree line, it becomes more clear. Above the tree line is where the views are the most unforgetable, and where the trail can sometimes become difficult to follow. It is important when you think you may be off the trail to stop and look up. This will help you locate the next section of the trail and usually, you can see where to get back onto it. Try to stay on the trail always. It reduces erosion and damage to the plants.

The copyright of the article Mt. Yale in Hiking in Colorado is owned by Virginia O'Connor. Permission to republish Mt. Yale in print or online must be granted by the author in writing.