Mount Harvard
Mountain Fourteener in Colorado's Collegiate Peaks
One of Colorado’s Collegiate Peaks, Mount Harvard is a classic fourteener sought by climbers for high‑altitude ridge routes, alpine scrambling and wide Sawatch Range views.
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Mount Harvard is a summit in Colorado’s Sawatch Range, rising to 14,421 feet (4,395 metres) and classified among Colorado’s ‘fourteeners.’ It is one of the prominent peaks in the Collegiate Peaks group.
Climbing Mount Harvard is a popular objective for mountaineers and hikers during the summer months; standard routes involve long approaches and high-elevation scrambling or non-technical snow travel depending on season. The peak is frequently climbed as part of multi-peak outings within the Collegiate Peaks.
The mountain was named in the 19th century as part of a group of summits bearing the names of American universities. Over time established trailheads and route descriptions have supported recreational climbing while seasonal snow and weather continue to shape access.
Geographically it lies in central Colorado’s high country within the Sawatch Range, reachable from mountain towns and trailheads on the western side of the Continental Divide.
- Elevation and classification: Elevation is 14,421 feet (4,395 metres), making it one of Colorado's 'fourteeners' and a common objective for alpine climbers in summer.
- Collegiate Peaks: Part of the Collegiate Peaks group of the Sawatch Range - the cluster of peaks named after universities is a distinct local feature.
How to Get to Mount Harvard #
Access from trailheads in the San Isabel National Forest near Buena Vista or Leadville. Popular starting points include the Cottonwood/Independence routes; forest roads can be rough and some are seasonal.
Tips for Visiting Mount Harvard #
- Start early - storms build quickly in Colorado's afternoon and high mountains cool fast after sunset.
- Use standard 14er precautions: layered clothing, navigation gear, and a plan for sudden weather changes.
- Approach via the San Isabel National Forest trailheads (e.g., Cottonwood or Independence Pass routes) and check road conditions seasonally.
Best Time to Visit Mount Harvard #
Best climbed in summer (June-September) when routes are generally snow‑free; always monitor weather forecasts and avalanche conditions.
Weather & Climate near Mount Harvard #
Mount Harvard's climate is classified as Tundra - Tundra climate with cold summers (peaking in July) and freezing winters (coldest in January). Temperatures range from -19°C to 15°C. Moderate rainfall (802 mm/year).
January
January is the coldest month with highs of -5°C and lows of -18°C. Moderate rainfall (69 mm) and breezy conditions.
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February
February is the coldest month with highs of -4°C and lows of -19°C. Moderate rainfall (64 mm) and breezy conditions.
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March
March is freezing with highs of -4°C and lows of -18°C. Moderate rainfall (78 mm).
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April
April is freezing with highs of -2°C and lows of -15°C. Moderate rainfall (66 mm).
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May
May is freezing with highs of 4°C and lows of -9°C. Moderate rainfall (56 mm).
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June
June is cold with highs of 10°C and lows of -3°C. Moderate rainfall (49 mm).
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July
July is cold with highs of 15°C and lows of 0°C. Regular rainfall (81 mm).
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August
August is cold with highs of 14°C and lows of 1°C. The wettest month with 82 mm of rain.
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September
September is cold with highs of 11°C and lows of -2°C. Moderate rainfall (61 mm).
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October
October is freezing with highs of 5°C and lows of -7°C. Moderate rainfall (53 mm) and breezy conditions.
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November
November is freezing with highs of -1°C and lows of -14°C. Moderate rainfall (66 mm) and breezy conditions.
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December
December is freezing with highs of -4°C and lows of -17°C. Moderate rainfall (77 mm) and breezy conditions.
