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"...
My wife and I did our annual climb and Yale was our choice this year based on comparisons right here on 14ers.com.
It was right at the peak of the numerous wildfires happening not only in Colorado, but all over the west. Smoke was definitely present over the whole region including Denver. But, we decided to make a go of it anyway and make the one-night stay in Buena Vista worth it.
We stayed Saturday night at Super 8 in BV. Man what a dump this place is. I would have loved to stay just up the road at Best Western, but they require a 2-night minimum stay.
We arrived at Denny Creek Trailhead and started the hike at 6:30am:
My wife, Christine, with the trailhead sign.
The 4,300+ elevation changed intimidated us a bit, but we knew what we were getting in to.
Several beautiful streams pass through the lower portions of the hike. The trail crosses these streams at least 4-5 times.
The views are spectacular above timberline. But on this day, the smoke was the buzz-kill both on the views and on our bodies. Still got some great shots
Looking west into the smoky skies
The sun peeking around the summit of Yale. This is on the ascent of the shoulder to the saddle. Very steep portion.
We saw many pikas in this area. Here is one to the right of center. They're quick and very skittish!
The start of the Class 3 climb and pitch to the summit. The description definitely doesn't lie; it is very rocky and slow going from this point to the summit! Extreme caution is strongly advised as these rocks, while mostly stable, are "square-shaped" and have slippery sides and sharp corners.
We summitted at 10:30am! Definitely not the clearest of summit pics, but not bad. Harvard and Columbia are in the background.
We struggled our way to the summit and stayed for about 20 minutes. Normally we do just fine at this elevation, but the smoke really caused us to struggle in the steeper portions. My wife brought some boost oxygen and she said that really helped especially on the shoulder and in the boulder field to the summit.
We started our descent around 10:50am. On the way back down, we saw a marmot perched on a distant boulder:
Marmot perched on a distant boulder
Wildflowers are still in bloom. Didn't see any Columbines, but saw many of these purple ones.
We arrived back at the trailhead at 2:45pm so it was another 4 hours back down.
Wow, what a climb! We only do 1-2 hikes per year and this one was among our most difficult and we did summit Belford a couple years ago.
Hope you enjoyed and thanks for reading!
Thumbnails for uploaded photos (click to open slideshow):
Comments or Questions
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.
