Hiking & 14ers
Hiking the Collegiate Peaks from Buena Vista
Four 14,000-foot peaks named after Ivy League universities, all within driving distance of BV. Here is how to approach them.
Buena Vista sits at roughly 7,900 feet elevation at the base of the Collegiate Peaks, a group of 14ers that line the western side of the Arkansas Valley. Mt. Yale (14,196 ft), Mt. Princeton (14,197 ft), Mt. Harvard (14,420 ft), and Mt. Oxford (14,153 ft) are all Class 2 on their standard routes, meaning they require no technical climbing gear. They do require good fitness, solid footwear, and an early start.
If you are not here to summit, that is fine too. The approach trails into these peaks pass through some of the best scenery in the state, and you do not need to reach 14,000 feet to have a great day out.
🏔️ Mount Yale — 14,196 ft
Class 2 · Standard Route: Southwest Slopes · Collegiate Peaks Wilderness
Mount Yale is the most commonly climbed of the Collegiate Peaks from BV, largely because the trailhead is easy to reach and the standard route is straightforward. The trail starts at the Denny Creek Trailhead, located 12 miles west of BV center on County Road 306 (the Cottonwood Pass road). There is a paved parking area at the trailhead.
The route follows the Denny Creek trail north into the forest, crossing a log bridge over Denny Creek at about 1 mile. After a trail junction at roughly 1.3 miles, you turn right and continue through forest before climbing steeply above treeline. The upper mountain is rocky terrain with a broad, spacious summit.
The route enters the Collegiate Peaks Wilderness. Dogs must be leashed near lakes and streams. Party size limits apply. Check current wilderness regulations before your trip.
Mt. Yale Facts
- Summit: 14,196 ft
- Difficulty: Class 2
- Trailhead: Denny Creek TH, 12 mi from BV on CR 306
- Distance: ~9 miles round trip (standard route)
- Gain: ~4,500 ft from trailhead
- Typical time: 5–8 hours round trip
- Season: July through September (most years)
🏔️ Mount Princeton — 14,197 ft
Class 2 · Standard Route: East Slopes · Trailhead accessible via 2WD
Mt. Princeton's standard route climbs the east slopes and is one of the more aesthetically interesting approaches in the Collegiates, with views of the Chalk Cliffs below and the broad east face above. The 2WD trailhead is at 8,900 feet on County Road 322, reached from CR 321 south of BV (via Nathrop on US 285).
From the 2WD parking area, you walk or drive (if you have a short 4WD vehicle) up the road to the radio towers at 10,800 feet. The trail leaves the road near 11,800 feet and crosses to the north side of a sub-peak before heading west over rocky terrain to Princeton's east slopes. The route is Class 2 throughout, though the section between 13,600 and 14,000 feet gets noticeably steeper.
Driving the CR 322 road on a busy weekend can be challenging due to limited pull-offs for passing. Plan to park at the bottom if you arrive late in the morning.
Mt. Princeton Facts
- Summit: 14,197 ft
- Difficulty: Class 2
- Trailhead: CR 322 off CR 321 (via Nathrop)
- 2WD parking: 8,900 ft
- Distance: ~9–10 miles RT from 2WD TH
- Gain: ~5,300 ft from 2WD TH
- Season: July through September (most years)
🗻 Mt. Harvard & Mt. Oxford
Class 2 · Both accessible from BV
Mount Harvard — 14,420 ft
The highest of the Collegiates and the third-highest peak in Colorado. The standard route starts from the North Cottonwood Creek Trailhead west of BV. A longer approach than Yale but a superb route through forest and tundra.
Route Info ↗Mount Oxford — 14,153 ft
Often done as a companion peak to Mt. Harvard in a single long day. The two summits are connected by a ridge and the approach is the same. A popular combination for peak baggers.
Route Info ↗🥾 Easier Hikes & Drives
No summit required
Arkansas River Trail
A paved and packed-gravel trail that runs along the river through downtown BV. Walkable from our property. Great for a morning run or a sunrise stroll before breakfast.
BV Town Info ↗Cottonwood Pass Road
A paved scenic byway that tops out at 12,126 feet. You can drive it all the way to the pass without leaving the car, or pull off at any number of trailheads and meadows along the way. The fall colors here in late September are exceptional.
Cottonwood Lake
A short trail from a parking area off CR 306, Cottonwood Lake sits among aspen and spruce with open views of the peaks above. Peaceful, accessible, and easy to combine with a Cottonwood Pass drive.
Area Info on USFS ↗Before You Hike a 14er from BV
- ✓Start early. Be below treeline by noon on summer days. Afternoon thunderstorms at altitude are common and serious.
- ✓Altitude is real. BV is already at ~7,900 ft. Give yourself a day to adjust before attempting a 14er, especially if you are coming from sea level.
- ✓Bring more water than you think you need. High altitude and dry Colorado air accelerate dehydration.
- ✓Sturdy boots with ankle support are strongly recommended on all Collegiate Peaks routes. Trail runners work for experienced hikers familiar with rocky terrain.
- ✓Check 14ers.com for current conditions and recent trip reports before your hike.
- ✓Snow lingers on north-facing slopes well into June and sometimes July. Microspikes or an ice axe may be needed earlier in the season.
Stay at the Base of the Peaks
Our 3-bedroom home is under a mile from downtown BV, with early-morning access to all Collegiate Peaks trailheads without driving through any traffic.