Harvard's standard approach, climbing through the scenic Horn Fork Basin to a Class 2 finish on the mountain's south side.
The North Cottonwood Creek Trailhead is about ten miles west of Buena Vista via Chaffee County Roads 350 and 365; the road is well maintained and the trailhead is clearly marked with parking. From the trailhead at roughly 9,880 feet, follow the North Cottonwood Trail to its junction with the Horn Fork Basin/Bear Lake Trail. The trail climbs gradually through forest and meadow for several miles — a long, gentle valley approach before the real elevation gain begins. The route cuts off the Bear Lake Trail before reaching the lake itself and ascends Harvard's south slopes directly. The final push to the summit crosses rugged, rocky Class 2 terrain, finishing with roughly the last 50 feet across large, stable granite boulders that require basic hands-on scrambling.
Reverse the route back through Horn Fork Basin. There is no reliable water beyond the Bear Lake trail junction, so carry enough for the full round trip.