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- UN 13173
13,173 ft · Elk Mountains, Colorado
UN 13173
UN 13173 is a 13,173 ft peak in the Elk Mountains, Colorado. The standard route is the UN 13,173 East Ridge: 9 mi, 3,700 ft of gain, Class 3.
UN 13173 at a glance
- Elevation13,173 ft4,015 m
- RouteUN 13,173 East RidgeClass 3
- Distance9 mi3,700 ft gain
- Time8 – 10 hrsVery Hard effort
- SeasonJul – Sep
- RangeElk MountainsColorado
Climbing the UN 13,173 East Ridge
UN 13173 sits in the Elk Mountains. The usual ascent is UN 13,173 East Ridge, rated Class 3. Plan about 9.35 miles round-trip with roughly 3,700 ft of gain from about 10,425 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. Carry extra water above treeline.
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
Helmet
What to watch for
- Storms
- High altitude
- Loose rock
- Steep exposure
- Route-finding difficulty
Quests with UN 13173
Colorado 13ersPeaks near UN 13173
Frequently asked questions
How tall is UN 13173?
UN 13173 is 13,173 feet (4,015 m) tall. It is in the Elk Mountains, Colorado. It is also known as UN 13,173.
How does UN 13173 rank among the Colorado 13ers?
At 13,173 feet, UN 13173 is the 447th highest of the 582 Colorado 13ers. The highest is Grizzly Peak.
How hard is it to climb UN 13173?
The UN 13,173 East 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: 9 miles with 3,700 feet of elevation gain.
How long does it take to climb UN 13173?
Most people take 8 – 10 hours round trip on the UN 13,173 East Ridge, covering 9 miles with 3,700 feet of elevation gain. That is a long day, so start before dawn and set a turnaround time.
Is UN 13173 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 13173?
It is a good idea. Loose rock and rockfall are common on the UN 13,173 East Ridge, so a helmet is on the gear list.
Will you get altitude sickness on UN 13173?
You might. Most people feel the altitude above 8,000 feet, and UN 13173 reaches 13,173 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 13173?
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 climb UN 13173?
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 13173 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