Mt. Yale (14,196 ft) - East Ridge

Mount Yale, like most Sawatch Fourteeners, rises abruptly from its surrounding valleys. No matter how you tackle Yale, the peak will test your legs. For this trip we will look at hiking up Mount Yale via the East Ridge and from Avalanche Trail Head.

This route is longer and more difficult than the standard route from Denny Creek. It has some loose rock and steep hiking, without a trail.

From Yale's summitt, we are rewarded with a view of 30 of Colorado's Fourteeners.

We will depart from the trailhead at 8:30 am for the ascent.

Carpool Info: I-70/Morrison exit Park and Ride – Woolly Mammoth lot section BB to be specific (across from the Conoco station) We will meet up at 5:15 am. Organize carpooling. Caravan leaves promptly at 5:30am on Tuesday.

Expect just under a 3 hr car ride from Woolly Mammoth Park n Ride.

Avalanche Trailhead: This is the trailhead we will depart from at 8:30 if you are not meeting at Woolly Mammouth PnR.

From U.S. 24 in the center of Buena Vista, take the County Road 306 towards Cottonwood Pass. Drive about 9 miles on 306 to reach the trailhead on the right. 2 WD vehicles should easliy make it here at 9,370.

Elevation: 14,196 feet
Mileage: 10.5 miles
Vertical Gain: 5,000 feet

Afterwards we'll regroup in Buena Vista for dinner.

Expect and be prepared for up to an 8 hour day and a change in weather patterns.

This is a cross post with Colorado Adventure Club and 14er Fan Club hence there is a limited number of spots. Please research Mt Yale for dog restrictions and behavior. Please make sure you and your dog are able to hike this class 2 14er.

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.

Just because a crowd of people can march to the summit of Quandary Peak on a summer Saturday, it doesn’t mean that they are all safe. 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.

I will always make a call if this meetup is cancelled due to weather by 3pm the evening before the scheduled hike. You can certainly still go but it will no longer be an official 14er Fan Club meetup.