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13,253 ft · Sawatch Range, Colorado

UN 13253

UN 13253 is a 13,253 ft peak in the Sawatch Range, Colorado. The standard route is the UN 13,253 North Ridge: 9 mi, 3,225 ft of gain, Class 2.

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UN 13253 in the Sawatch Range, Colorado

UN 13253 at a glance

  • Elevation13,253 ft4,039 m
  • RouteUN 13,253 North RidgeClass 2
  • Distance9 mi3,225 ft gain
  • Time7 – 9 hrsHard effort
  • SeasonJul – Sep
  • RangeSawatch RangeColorado

Climbing the UN 13,253 North Ridge

UN 13253 sits in the Sawatch Range. The usual ascent is UN 13,253 North Ridge, rated Class 2. Plan about 9.8 miles round-trip with roughly 3,225 ft of gain from about 10,340 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 UN 13253

Peaks near UN 13253

  1. Mount of the Holy Cross

    Mount of the Holy Cross

    14,005 ft · 1.0 mi away

  2. Holy Cross Ridge

    Holy Cross Ridge

    13,850 ft · 1.3 mi away

  3. UN 13786

    UN 13786

    13,786 ft · 1.8 mi away

  4. Whitney Peak

    Whitney Peak

    13,286 ft · 2.2 mi away

Frequently asked questions

How tall is UN 13253?

UN 13253 is 13,253 feet (4,039 m) tall. It is in the Sawatch Range, Colorado. It is also known as UN 13,253.

How does UN 13253 rank among the Colorado 13ers?

At 13,253 feet, UN 13253 is the 385th highest of the 582 Colorado 13ers. The highest is Grizzly Peak.

How hard is it to hike UN 13253?

The UN 13,253 North Ridge 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 3,225 feet of elevation gain.

How long does it take to hike UN 13253?

Most people take 7 – 9 hours round trip on the UN 13,253 North Ridge, covering 9 miles with 3,225 feet of elevation gain, so most people do it in a day.

Can a beginner hike UN 13253?

The UN 13,253 North Ridge needs no climbing skills, but it is a hard day: 9 miles with 3,225 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 13253?

You might. Most people feel the altitude above 8,000 feet, and UN 13253 reaches 13,253 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 13253?

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 UN 13253?

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 13253 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

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