Mt. Yale - Southwest Slopes - (14,196)

Mt. Yale - Southwest Slopes - (14,196)

Distance: 9.5 miles roundtrip

Starting Elevation: 9,900'

Elevation Gain: ~ 4,300'

This route is harder than Quandary or Bierstadt, but still a good route for hikers (in good shape) that would like to try a 14er in the winter. People that would like to carpool should meet at the Fort Restaurant at 4:50am so that we can divide into cars and leave at 5:00am. We'll meet at the Denny Creek Trailhead at 7:00am and start hiking at 7:15am. This will be a go at your own pace hike, but hikers (particularly those behind the main group) should not hike alone. The entire hike will take 8 to 10 hours. After the hike we may stop for food in Buena Vista.

Difficulty: Class 2,micro spikes recommended .

Carpool: We'll meet at 4:50am at the parking lot next to The Fort Restaurant in Morrison ( https://www.google.com/maps/place/The+Fort/@39.6289336,-105.1947353,17z/data=!3m1!4b1!4m5!3m4!1s0x876b787598636253:0x4417dd4b7cda1d5!8m2!3d39.6289336!4d-105.1925466 )

Directions to Trailhead from 14ers.com: From U.S. 24 in the center of Buena Vista, take the County 306 road towards Cottonwood Pass. Drive 12 miles on this road to reach the Denny Creek Trailhead and paved parking area on the right.

Route Info: An excellent route description along with links to the photos can be found at the site below. Please review the route before the trip.
http://14ers.com/route.php?route=yale1&peak=Mt.+Yale

Equipment: Bring enough layers to keep warm. Bring gloves, goggles, hat, face mask, waterproof boots, snow shoes optional, microspikes, gaters, enough food, and plenty of water. It is important that you have some way of covering any exposed skin to prevent frostbite. In addition, it is highly recommended that you bring the ten essentials. The complete list can be found at http://www.rei.com/learn/expert-advice/ten-essentials.html

Disclaimer: By attending this hike you assume all responsibility for your own safety and agree that the event host, organizer, the 14er Fan Club, and Meetup are in no way liable in the event of your injury or death. Mountaineering in Colorado can be very dangerous and many people have died on the 14ers. Weather, terrain and other people can put you in a situation where your knowledge and experience will be vital. If you are new to these peaks, I urge you to pick up a book on mountaineering safety and make sure your basic navigation skills (map+compass, not only GPS) are up-to-par and you can rely on them in a tough situation. Altitude sickness, dehydration, and fast-building storms are the most common problems. Please be in shape and self-sufficient. Although this is a group activity you are responsible for yourself.