From the trailhead
1, take the excellent trail downhill to a bridge crossing, and follow it for 1.4 miles to another bridge
2. Shortly after crossing it, you'll arrive at a trail junction
3. Stay right for Horn Fork Basin and Bear Lake. Continue hiking for nearly 2 miles, staying left at the junction for Mt. Columbia
4. Hike a bit higher to reach tree line at 11,500', where Harvard comes into view
5. This area offers many dispersed camping spots. Proceed east and then north into Horn Fork Basin
.
Weave through willows and cross a stream as you approach the basin's north end
6. Above 12,000', the trail steepens
7. Continue higher to reach the Bear Lake
trail junction. Stay right and continue up to a flat area near 12,500'
8. Next, you'll climb a rugged talus section to gain a shoulder. Using the trail constructed by the Colorado Fourteeners Initiative, ascend through the talus
9. Above this tedious section, arrive at the crest of the shoulder
at 13,000'. At this point, you'll have a clear view of the remaining route
10. Cross the upper basin and ascend the slope below Harvard's south ridge, following cairns, rock steps, and a relatively well-defined trail
11. Be careful to stay on the trail as it switchbacks up to the ridge
12.
At the ridge, turn right and hike north along the ridge's right side toward the summit
13. Finally, you'll reach the final pitch, which is the crux of the route
14 15. The rock on this pitch is mostly stable, and there is a way to keep the difficulty at "Difficult" Class 2, even though it's not obvious
16 17. Take your time and choose your route carefully as you gain the summit of Colorado's 3rd highest 14er
18 19.
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