Hiking Distance: Approximately 9.0 miles (roundtrip)

Description: Although none of the routes up Mount Yale (14,195') are very technical, this route is by far the most difficult.  The trail follows the Colorado Trail for a couple of miles up until you hit the east ridge.  The hike is a no-mess-around type of adventure.  There are no switchbacks and the trail ascends strait up into the heavens. 

When Liz and Josh (the website authors) hiked the Colorado Trail, they only bumped into six other individuals on this route - not bad for a weekend hike on a fourteener.  Note that this route IS NOT the "standard" route up Mount Yale.  This route requires some off-trail scrambling and mountaineering.

Worth Noting: There is a stagnant beaver pond just below the east ridge, which makes for a perfect camping destination.

Suggested Materials: 

• Gerry Roach, Colorado's Fourteeners: From Hikes to Climbs (recommended guide by The Colorado Hiker)
• Gerry Roach, Colorado's Fourteeners: Companion Map Package (recommended guide by The Colorado Hiker)
• Walter R. Borneman & Lyndon J. Lampert, A Climbing Guide to Colorado's Fourteeners