Harvard/Columbia Cirque?

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Voodoo302
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Harvard/Columbia Cirque?

Post by Voodoo302 »

Planning on linking Harvard and Columbia this weekend. While looking at the topo I wondered if anyone has done the ridge around that whole cirque?

*Edit to add photo*
HarvardCirque.gif
HarvardCirque.gif (279.42 KiB) Viewed 205 times
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ezabielski
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Re: Harvard/Columbia Cirque?

Post by ezabielski »

For Harvard-Columbia, Anton Krupicka has done it purely by the ridge which you may already be aware. It involves a 30' 5.7 downclimb (on the way to Columbia). Here's his report:

http://blog.ultimatedirection.com/nolans-14-scouting/" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;

EDIT: I should note that even the normal traverse is a long day by itself. It took AK an hour to do the mile between H-C on Rabbit Ridge, and he's no slouch. Imagine possibly doing that for 3 or 4 more miles of ridgeline plus all the approach hiking.
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Voodoo302
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Re: Harvard/Columbia Cirque?

Post by Voodoo302 »

Thanks for the link, that's some good beta. We were actually considering doing it in the Columbia-Harvard direction (counter-clockwise), for a number of reasons, one of which being that it will allow us to evaluate weather and energy levels after Harvard.
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bjkent76
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Re: Harvard/Columbia Cirque?

Post by bjkent76 »

I did the traverse last summer from Columbia to Harvard and it is indeed a long slog. While I didn't stay on the ridge proper, I did stay as high as my skill level allowed. Some fun class 3+ stuff, but also lots of boulder hopping and loose scree. I am in pretty good condition and it still took me 2 and half hours. Fun, but again, makes for a long day! Personally I would recommend starting with Columbia. Descending Harvard after a long day is much more appealing than descending Columbia, which is a loose, nasty gray lump.

Enjoy!!
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