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Haven't had much free time this season with home projects and travel but decided I needed a quick day trip to the mountains. Left Littleton at 4 and pulled into Denny Creek TH at 6am. Parking lot was mostly full but room for a few others to squeeze in. Temperature reading on car was 46 and sun was up when I hit the trail at 6:15.
Weather report from night before said 50% chance rain after 10 am so I wanted to get an earlier start than I did. But I moved on keeping a close eye on the sky and prepared to turn around at any time if it got dangerous. The first mile up a normal dirt road littered with rocks is uneventful but a good climb to get your feet under you and heart rate up a little. After the Yale signpost, the trail becomes "cleaner" (less rocks) and a beautiful walk up through the trees crossing a few streams and some great looking camping spots 1-2 miles in.
It really is a great trail especially up through the woods. Here's a look back leaving the treeline.
Once above treeline it's a clear path up to the saddle climbing up around 1,800 feet through switchbacks. The trail is mostly dirt and clear from scree with a few rock sections. The summit blocked the sun most of the ascent up.
Making my way up to the saddle
On the saddle looking north
The remaining ridgeline to the summit
I made the decision to stay as high on the ridge as possible. Most of the cairns are on the south side and lower but I've learned that it's easier for me to stay as close to the top of ridge as I can to avoid constant ups and downs across boulders.
Hit the summit right at 9am with 4 others.
Hung out for about 10 minutes before heading back down. I always dread hiking back down so I usually don't hang out on summits long.
It ended up being a beautiful day with almost no wind. There were between 30-40 people on the mountain which wasn't too bad considering it was a Sunday in July on an "easier" 14er. Got back to car at 11:30 and home just after 2 despite the mass number of RV's returning on Sunday via 285.
Thumbnails for uploaded photos (click to open slideshow):
Sdavis - there are many free camping spots in the vicinity of Yale, but be advised my wife and I have had TERRIBLE experiences with large crowds who show up to play violins and/or party for a good portion of the night. Your best bet might be Collegiate Peaks Campground, which is close by both of Yale's trailheads. Or you might get lucky to get one of the free spots that can only fit you, which would keep things more secluded, but that is tough as that area is very popular. Oh, and it does seem there are some spots a couple miles in from the Denny Creek TH, but I am basing that on the above as I have not yet done Yale (but may be up to get it on Saturday).
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