- …
- Yak
- Quests
- Colorado 13ers
- UN 13159
13,159 ft · Sangre de Cristo Range, Colorado
UN 13159
UN 13159 is a 13,159 ft peak in the Sangre de Cristo Range, Colorado. The standard route is the Willow Lake Access: 11 mi, 5,720 ft of gain, Class 2.
UN 13159 at a glance
- Elevation13,159 ft4,010 m
- RouteWillow Lake AccessClass 2
- Distance11 mi5,720 ft gain
- Time9 – 11 hrsHard effort
- SeasonJul – Sep
- RangeSangre de Cristo RangeColorado
Climbing the Willow Lake Access
UN 13159 sits in the Sangre de Cristo Range. The usual ascent is Willow Lake Access, rated Class 2. Plan about 11.95 miles round-trip with roughly 5,720 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 13159
Colorado 13ersPeaks near UN 13159
Frequently asked questions
How tall is UN 13159?
UN 13159 is 13,159 feet (4,010 m) tall. It is in the Sangre de Cristo Range, Colorado. It is also known as UN 13,159.
How does UN 13159 rank among the Colorado 13ers?
At 13,159 feet, UN 13159 is the 465th highest of the 582 Colorado 13ers. The highest is Grizzly Peak.
How hard is it to hike UN 13159?
The Willow Lake Access is Class 2, which means off-trail hiking with some use of your hands for balance. Yak rates the overall effort hard: 11 miles with 5,720 feet of elevation gain.
How long does it take to hike UN 13159?
Most people take 9 – 11 hours round trip on the Willow Lake Access, covering 11 miles with 5,720 feet of elevation gain. That is a long day, so start before dawn and set a turnaround time.
Can a beginner hike UN 13159?
The Willow Lake Access needs no climbing skills, but it is a hard day: 11 miles with 5,720 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 13159?
You might. Most people feel the altitude above 8,000 feet, and UN 13159 reaches 13,159 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 13159?
Early. Afternoon thunderstorms are common in summer, so aim to be off the summit and the exposed upper mountain by early afternoon. At 9 – 11 hours round trip, many parties start in the dark.
When is the best time to hike UN 13159?
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 13159 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