Mind Over Matter: Summiting Colorado’s Mt. Harvard | by Lisa Ballard

Colorado’s 58 peaks over 14,000 feet in elevation appeal to anyone who loves to stand atop big mountains. Getting to the top of one of these geological giants ranges from a walk-up to a technical ascent, but don’t let the term “walk-up” fool you. The easy ones may require many miles on a trail (without much oxygen), ascending several thousand vertical feet and navigating challenging talus.

Such was the case on Mount Harvard (14,421 feet) in the Collegiate Peaks Wilderness near Leadville. Mount Harvard is the third highest peak in Colorado. I summited it last summer with my husband, Jack as part of an overnight backpacking trip.

Panoramic photo of the Collegiate Peaks in Colorado's Rocky Mountains, taken from the summit of Mt. Harvard
The last half-mile of the seven-mile route to the top was an unruly boulder pile. I had to pay attention on the unstable rocks, but I could handle it until just below the summit. The last push seemed nearly vertical with little for hand and foot holds and lots of exposure.

“Wish I had a rope,” I thought, reaching an overhung chunk of granite that blocked the last 25 vertical feet. A fall here would not end well.

My husband, Jack, who is part mountain goat, found a way, but when it was my turn, parallelizing terror welled inside me even though I had climbed up equally tough spots before. Why did it freak me out this time?

I peered at the summit. It was so close. I felt the cool rock, then thought, “I can do this.”

I looked up again, planing a strategy instead of dwelling on the danger. When I decided to go for it, it had to be with 100% commitment. It was safer to be assertive rather than timid. Momentum would boost me upward, and my Lowa Badia GTX’s would give me traction and support.

With a burst of energy, I put a toe on a crack, pushed up with my leg while reaching for a tiny divot. I knew from rock climbing to not hug the rock. “Move. Move.” echoed in my head.

I saw Jack’s outstretched hand. We grasped wrists, and he pulled me onto the small summit shelf. A feeling of accomplishment flooded over me. Getting up that tough spot was an exercise in mind over matter, and my dependable Lowa Badia’s helped give me the confidence.

Photos and content courtesy of LOWA Ambassador Lisa Ballard.