Colorado 14ers: Mount Yale
A leg-busting 8.4-mile round trip up Yale’s relentless southwest slopes culminates with soaring views over the Collegiate Peaks Wilderness and Arkansas River Valley.
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-Mapped by Caitlin May
Trail Facts
- Distance: 6.7
Waypoints
YAL001
Location: 38.814998626709, -106.334617614746
From Denny Creek trailhead, begin hiking N on signed trail. Pass trail register and sign-in
YAL002
Location: 38.8259658813477, -106.338714599609
Veer R and cross Denny Creek over sturdy log. Campsite off trail to E
YAL003
Location: 38.8294982910156, -106.342231750488
Turn R @ signed Y toward Mt. Yale. Go L for more campsites and water
YAL004
Location: 38.833984375, -106.336349487305
Proceed NE beneath healthy Aspen canopy
YAL005
Location: 38.8372497558594, -106.334365844727
Cross creek over simple log bridge tucked into cool stand of pines
YAL006
Location: 38.8371162414551, -106.329132080078
Hit open, sunny ridge walk with great S views, relishing brief, flat trail. Scan the grassy landscape for mule deer, elk or mountain goats
YAL007
Location: 38.8374328613281, -106.325729370117
Reach a patch of steep, sandy terrain. Shake legs out one last time before tackling Yale’s wall-like S side
YAL008
Location: 38.8450508117676, -106.319129943848
Reach dusty scree field where trail zig-zags endlessly to W ridge of Yale
YAL009
Location: 38.8469314575195, -106.315765380859
Finish switchbacks! Walk to the N side of level vista to see Buena Vista to the E. Ample boulders provide cover for a quick snack or pack stowage before summiting. Turn SE and follow scant trail toward hidden summit
YAL010
Location: 38.8442344665527, -106.313850402832
Stay R of jagged ridge and scramble around problematic refrigerator-size boulders before reaching summit (14,196 ft.). A rewarding view of the stately collegiate peaks owns the panoramic focus. Retrace steps to trailhead
