13,543 ft · Sawatch Range, Colorado
K 49
K 49 is a 13,543 ft peak in the Sawatch Range, Colorado. The standard route is the UN13,543/K49 South Face: 9 mi, 4,300 ft of gain, Class 2.
K 49 at a glance
- Elevation13,543 ft4,127 m
- RouteUN13,543/K49 South FaceClass 2
- Distance9 mi4,300 ft gain
- Time7 – 9 hrsHard effort
- SeasonJul – Sep
- RangeSawatch RangeColorado
Climbing the UN13,543/K49 South Face
K 49 sits in the Sawatch Range. The usual ascent is UN13,543/K49 South Face, rated Class 2. Plan about 9 miles round-trip with roughly 4,300 ft of gain from about 10,794 ft. The trailhead is typically reachable by passenger car. Summer monsoon storms build fast, so start early and be off the summit by early afternoon. Watch for loose rock, route-finding on talus, and brief exposed steps where the terrain steepens. Stats and approach details follow climb13ers.com. Bring layers for cold wind on the summit ridge.
Gear and hazards
What to bring
Backpack (30–40 L)
Hiking Boots
Water
Offline Maps
Headlamp
Satellite Communicator
Whistle
Sunglasses
Sunscreen
Sun Hat
Midlayer
Insulated Jacket
Hardshell Jacket
Warm Hat
Buff
Midweight Gloves
Trekking Poles
GPS Device
Power Bank
Water Filter
First-Aid Kit
Emergency Bivy
What to watch for
- Storms
- High altitude
- Route-finding difficulty
Quests with K 49
Colorado 13ersPeaks near K 49
Frequently asked questions
How tall is K 49?
K 49 is 13,543 feet (4,127 m) tall. It is in the Sawatch Range, Colorado. It is also known as K 49.
How does K 49 rank among the Colorado 13ers?
At 13,543 feet, K 49 is the 174th highest of the 582 Colorado 13ers. The highest is Grizzly Peak.
How hard is it to hike K 49?
The UN13,543/K49 South Face is Class 2, which means off-trail hiking with some use of your hands for balance. Yak rates the overall effort hard: 9 miles with 4,300 feet of elevation gain.
How long does it take to hike K 49?
Most people take 7 – 9 hours round trip on the UN13,543/K49 South Face, covering 9 miles with 4,300 feet of elevation gain, so most people do it in a day.
Can a beginner hike K 49?
The UN13,543/K49 South Face needs no climbing skills, but it is a hard day: 9 miles with 4,300 feet of elevation gain. Build up on shorter hikes first, start early and carry plenty of water and layers.
Will you get altitude sickness on K 49?
You might. Most people feel the altitude above 8,000 feet, and K 49 reaches 13,543 feet. Spend a night or two at elevation first, drink plenty of water and turn back if a headache, nausea or dizziness gets worse.
What time should you start hiking K 49?
Early. Afternoon thunderstorms are common in summer, so aim to be off the summit and the exposed upper mountain by early afternoon.
When is the best time to hike K 49?
The usual hiking window is July to September. Outside it, expect snow, storms or closed access, and check the summit forecast before you go.
Climb K 49 with Yak
Plan your route on a topo map, check the summit forecast, then log your climb and see what is left on your list