Download Agreement, Release, and Acknowledgement of Risk:
You (the person requesting this file download) fully understand mountain climbing ("Activity") involves risks and dangers of serious bodily injury, including permanent disability, paralysis, and death ("Risks") and you fully accept and assume all such risks and all responsibility for losses, costs, and damages you incur as a result of your participation in this Activity.
You acknowledge that information in the file you have chosen to download may not be accurate and may contain errors. You agree to assume all risks when using this information and agree to release and discharge 14ers.com, 14ers Inc. and the author(s) of such information (collectively, the "Released Parties").
You hereby discharge the Released Parties from all damages, actions, claims and liabilities of any nature, specifically including, but not limited to, damages, actions, claims and liabilities arising from or related to the negligence of the Released Parties. You further agree to indemnify, hold harmless and defend 14ers.com, 14ers Inc. and each of the other Released Parties from and against any loss, damage, liability and expense, including costs and attorney fees, incurred by 14ers.com, 14ers Inc. or any of the other Released Parties as a result of you using information provided on the 14ers.com or 14ers Inc. websites.
You have read this agreement, fully understand its terms and intend it to be a complete and unconditional release of all liability to the greatest extent allowed by law and agree that if any portion of this agreement is held to be invalid the balance, notwithstanding, shall continue in full force and effect.
By clicking "OK" you agree to these terms. If you DO NOT agree, click "Cancel"...
Date of Climb : 12/13-14/10
Peaks Climbed :
1) Mt Harvard - 14420', Chaffee CoHP
Distance : 16 miles
Elev Gain : 5000'
Time : 16 hrs, Mon 10:00am - 4:00pm, Tue 6:00am - 12:30pm, 1:45pm - 5:15pm
Ascent Party : John B. & Dave S.
We were able to drive past both Colorado Trail THs, up to ~9600'. Packed up our gear and headed up the remaining 0.7 miles of road by ~10am. I decided to haul a sled on this trip for the practice & experimentation.
10:40a - Summer TH 9860'
10:48a - Dave crossing the 1st N Cottonwood Creek bridge
12:01p - lunch break at the 2nd bridge, 10340'
3:22p - our 1st view of Mt Harvard, and PT 13580 & pt 13598 from 11580'
4:46p - Mt Harvard at sunset, view from camp at 11700'
We were up & about by 5:15a eating a quick cold breakfast, ready to go by 6a.
7:12a -Mt Harvard lit up at sunrise
7:54a - cresting the East ridge of pt 13598 & approaching 13000', oh so close & yet so far, the wind was gusting upslope as we climbed it
8:08a - at 13200' we could begin to see a safe route up the rest of the way, break at cairn in flat area, then weave our way up the subtle rocky rib, Std route would go left up the snow covered rib, sunny & calm here
NE face of pt 13598
9:45a - wind gusting as we approached the final portion of Harvard's S ridge, we stashed our snowshoes at ~13600'
10:04a - view of Horn Fork basin from summit of Harvard, climbed up big rocks & thru snow, definitely Class 3, but straight-fwd
Dave & I enjoying the summit at 14420'
10:09a - Dave heading down
10:13a - rocks leading to the summit were a bit slippery
10:17a - for me, indeed an extra special day
11:03a - finding our way back to our snowshoes
NE face of pt 13598, fair amount of snow on E face of S ridge, view here makes it look steeper
We avoided Std route up snow rib
11:15a - safely back, view of our tracks
11:25a - followed cairns back to E ridge since our tracks were already blown over here
11:57a - view of 11700' camp from 12370'
12:07p - view of our tracks up to E ridge
12:51p - celebrating the achievement
1:57p - sled worked well downhill in flat track
2:19p - Dave helps prevent sled from running into my heels
2:24p - sure did leave a nice track for next climbing party
Back at road by sunset & car before needing headlamps! Felt like a tough trip even though perfect winter conditions!
You really didn't say how you LIKED the sled. Are you practicing for an expedition or just tying it out? If you are testing it for Colorado (no need to fly it on a plane), search ”Pulk” on this site. You will find designs where your partner doesn't have to hold it back for you.
It's very interesting to see a route I've only taken (and probably only will take) during the summer months. Great shots too! A fabulous way to celebrate turning 50! Sigh! Wish I were that young again!
I used my sled on Antero in Mar & worked well given the long road haul. However, descent was torture. Been meaning to get some stiff poles. That video, , is fantastic info. Thanks for tip. I just keep using this when I can for getting the hang of it. Denali is the ultimate goal! I think it's great for CO, especially when going solo and you want to haul some extra gear just to be safe.
We had more snow on the summit than you did, climbing it in Sept of '09, but we were glad everything had melted by the time we headed down. You guys did a lot of work!
Congrats on the Dec. summit on your birthday. Great pics and report. Enjoyed reading every word. Just wondering though how heavy was the sled?
Thanks again for the report and pics.
I did not weigh my pack or sled this time, but I usually carry ~50 lbs in winter, and I typically use the sled to carry extra gear for safety or testing it. So I probably had a nice split of ~30/30 lbs. The biggest issue I always face when attempting to haul a sled is whether the approach has snow all the way vs. some road sections with dirt & rocks. Antero via Baldwin Gulch was very nice. I think I'll try the San Juans where long road closures make this idea work well, once I modify the sled for stiff poles.
Great report. Looked like a sweet trip. Congratulations on being able to celebrate your 50th in such style and getting your 100th! Is that an Old Chub you're enjoying back at camp?
Caution: The information contained in this report may not be accurate and should not be the only resource used in preparation for your climb. Failure to have the necessary experience, physical conditioning, supplies or equipment can result in injury or death. 14ers.com and the author(s) of this report provide no warranties, either express or implied, that the information provided is accurate or reliable. By using the information provided, you agree to indemnify and hold harmless 14ers.com and the report author(s) with respect to any claims and demands against them, including any attorney fees and expenses. Please read the 14ers.com Safety and Disclaimer pages for more information.
Please respect private property: 14ers.com supports the rights of private landowners to determine how and by whom their land will be used. In Colorado, it is your responsibility to determine if land is private and to obtain the appropriate permission before entering the property.
