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- UN 13,544 (near Whitecross Mountain)
13,544 ft · Sangre de Cristo Range, Colorado
UN 13,544 (near Whitecross Mountain)
UN 13,544 (near Whitecross Mountain) is a 13,544 ft peak in the Sangre de Cristo Range, Colorado. The standard route is the Southwest Slope/South Ridge: 13 mi, 4,665 ft of gain, Class 3.
UN 13,544 (near Whitecross Mountain) at a glance
- Elevation13,544 ft4,128 m
- RouteSouthwest Slope/South RidgeClass 3
- Distance13 mi4,665 ft gain
- Time11 – 13 hrsVery Hard effort
- SeasonJul – Sep
- RangeSangre de Cristo RangeColorado
Climbing the Southwest Slope/South Ridge
UN 13,544 (near Whitecross Mountain) sits in the Sangre de Cristo Range. The usual ascent is Southwest Slope/South Ridge, rated Class 3. Plan about 13 miles round-trip with roughly 4,665 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. A helmet is wise on loose Class 3 sections.
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
Helmet
What to watch for
- Storms
- High altitude
- Loose rock
- Steep exposure
- Route-finding difficulty
Quests with UN 13,544 (near Whitecross Mountain)
Colorado 13ersPeaks near UN 13,544 (near Whitecross Mountain)
Frequently asked questions
How tall is UN 13,544 (near Whitecross Mountain)?
UN 13,544 (near Whitecross Mountain) is 13,544 feet (4,128 m) tall. It is in the Sangre de Cristo Range, Colorado.
How does UN 13,544 (near Whitecross Mountain) rank among the Colorado 13ers?
At 13,544 feet, UN 13,544 (near Whitecross Mountain) is the 172nd highest of the 582 Colorado 13ers. The highest is Grizzly Peak.
How hard is it to climb UN 13,544 (near Whitecross Mountain)?
The Southwest Slope/South Ridge is Class 3, which means scrambling, where you use your hands to climb and a fall could be serious. Yak rates the overall effort very hard: 13 miles with 4,665 feet of elevation gain.
How long does it take to climb UN 13,544 (near Whitecross Mountain)?
Most people take 11 – 13 hours round trip on the Southwest Slope/South Ridge, covering 13 miles with 4,665 feet of elevation gain. That is a long day, so start before dawn and set a turnaround time.
Is UN 13,544 (near Whitecross Mountain) dangerous to climb?
It has real risks: exposed sections where a fall would be serious, rockfall from loose rock and fast-changing weather. Go with an experienced partner, wear a helmet, test holds before you trust them and turn back if the rock is wet or icy.
Do you need a helmet for UN 13,544 (near Whitecross Mountain)?
It is a good idea. Loose rock and rockfall are common on the Southwest Slope/South Ridge, so a helmet is on the gear list.
Will you get altitude sickness on UN 13,544 (near Whitecross Mountain)?
You might. Most people feel the altitude above 8,000 feet, and UN 13,544 (near Whitecross Mountain) reaches 13,544 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 climbing UN 13,544 (near Whitecross Mountain)?
Early. Afternoon thunderstorms are common in summer, so aim to be off the summit and the exposed upper mountain by early afternoon. At 11 – 13 hours round trip, many parties start in the dark.
When is the best time to climb UN 13,544 (near Whitecross Mountain)?
The usual climbing window is July to September. Outside it, expect snow, storms or closed access, and check the summit forecast before you go.
Climb UN 13,544 (near Whitecross Mountain) 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