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About this place
Distance: 14 miles roundtrip. Elevation gain: 4,600 ft. Hike the 3rd highest peak in Colorado. One of the longer approaches to a 14er, but the payoff is definitely worth it!
Start your hike at the North Cottonwood Creek Trailhead. The trail begins at the end of the parking lot. You'll cross a bridge and meander along the creek, eventually reaching another bridge crossing at about 1.5 miles.
After this bridge, you'll reach a trail junction. Be sure to go right (towards Horn Fork Basin and Bear Lake). Continue to gain altitude through the basin, eventually coming out above treeline with views of Harvard directly ahead.
At the next junction (for Bear Lake), bear right. Continue climbing out of the basin. You'll reach a small shoulder before heading up steeper slopes to the South Ridge. There are several 'trails' in this area, but just follow cairns and keep headed up to the ridge and you'll be fine. Once on the ridge, follow it up and to to the right to the summit. You'll have a couple of options scrambling over the rock to the summit, but nothing more than Class II if you pick your route well.
Enjoy views of the whole Sawatch Range from the top (14,420 feet)!