The Harvard and Columbia Traverse is one of the famous American 14er link-ups linking the peaks Mount Harvard (14,421 feet) and Mount Columbia (14,079 feet). The ridge is mostly class 2 and class 3 maneuvering and is more or less completely off-trail. This should only be attempted if you have backcountry travel and good route finding skills.

There really isn't any "running" during this traverse (besides the upper portion of the grassy ridge of Harvard). Make sure to not stay on the ridge proper at the saddle, as this gets into class 5+ territory.

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Best routes to Harvard and Columbia Traverse

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1. Mount Harvard & Mount Columbia loop from North Cottonwood Creek Trailhead — Collegiate Peaks Wilderness

24.8km

11:27

1,690m

Traverse Colorado's third-highest peak to Mount Columbia via rocky ridgelines and alpine basins.

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Hard

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2. Mount Harvard – Mount Columbia loop from Mount Columbia

12.2km

07:40

1,190m

Hard hike. Very good fitness required. Sure-footedness, sturdy shoes and alpine experience required.

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Hard

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Informations

Distance 4.07 km

Uphill 430 m

Downhill 530 m

Weather

Today

Tuesday 10 February

-2°C

-11°C

0 %

Additional weather tips

Max wind speed: 14.0 km/h

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Location: Chaffee County, Colorado, United States

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Harvard and Columbia Traverse

1. Mount Harvard & Mount Columbia loop from North Cottonwood Creek Trailhead — Collegiate Peaks Wilderness

2. Mount Harvard – Mount Columbia loop from Mount Columbia

Other Popular Places to Check Out

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