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- UN 13,543 (near "Obstruction Peak")
13,543 ft · Sangre de Cristo Range, Colorado
UN 13,543 (near "Obstruction Peak")
UN 13,543 (near "Obstruction Peak") is a 13,543 ft peak in the Sangre de Cristo Range, Colorado. The standard route is the Southwest Slopes: 10 mi, 4,700 ft of gain, Class 2.
UN 13,543 (near "Obstruction Peak") at a glance
- Elevation13,543 ft4,127 m
- RouteSouthwest SlopesClass 2
- Distance10 mi4,700 ft gain
- Time8 – 10 hrsHard effort
- SeasonJul – Sep
- RangeSangre de Cristo RangeColorado
Climbing the Southwest Slopes
UN 13,543 (near "Obstruction Peak") sits in the Sangre de Cristo Range. The usual ascent is Southwest Slopes, rated Class 2. Plan about 10.9 miles round-trip with roughly 4,700 ft of gain from about 8,880 ft. Expect high clearance for the drive. 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 (35–55 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 UN 13,543 (near "Obstruction Peak")
Colorado 13ersPeaks near UN 13,543 (near "Obstruction Peak")
Frequently asked questions
How tall is UN 13,543 (near "Obstruction Peak")?
UN 13,543 (near "Obstruction Peak") is 13,543 feet (4,127 m) tall. It is in the Sangre de Cristo Range, Colorado.
How does UN 13,543 (near "Obstruction Peak") rank among the Colorado 13ers?
At 13,543 feet, UN 13,543 (near "Obstruction Peak") is the 174th highest of the 582 Colorado 13ers. The highest is Grizzly Peak.
How hard is it to hike UN 13,543 (near "Obstruction Peak")?
The Southwest Slopes is Class 2, which means off-trail hiking with some use of your hands for balance. Yak rates the overall effort hard: 10 miles with 4,700 feet of elevation gain.
How long does it take to hike UN 13,543 (near "Obstruction Peak")?
Most people take 8 – 10 hours round trip on the Southwest Slopes, covering 10 miles with 4,700 feet of elevation gain. That is a long day, so start before dawn and set a turnaround time.
Can a beginner hike UN 13,543 (near "Obstruction Peak")?
The Southwest Slopes needs no climbing skills, but it is a hard day: 10 miles with 4,700 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 UN 13,543 (near "Obstruction Peak")?
You might. Most people feel the altitude above 8,000 feet, and UN 13,543 (near "Obstruction Peak") 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 UN 13,543 (near "Obstruction Peak")?
Early. Afternoon thunderstorms are common in summer, so aim to be off the summit and the exposed upper mountain by early afternoon. At 8 – 10 hours round trip, many parties start in the dark.
When is the best time to hike UN 13,543 (near "Obstruction Peak")?
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 UN 13,543 (near "Obstruction Peak") 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