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- UN 13557
13,557 ft · Elk Mountains, Colorado
UN 13557
UN 13557 is a 13,557 ft peak in the Elk Mountains, Colorado. The standard route is the UN13,552 East Face Couloir: 9 mi, 2,750 ft of gain, Class 3.
UN 13557 at a glance
- Elevation13,557 ft4,132 m
- RouteUN13,552 East Face CouloirClass 3
- Distance9 mi2,750 ft gain
- Time8 – 10 hrsHard effort
- SeasonJul – Sep
- RangeElk MountainsColorado
Climbing the UN13,552 East Face Couloir
UN 13557 sits in the Elk Mountains. The usual ascent is UN13,552 East Face Couloir, rated Class 3. Plan about 9.4 miles round-trip with roughly 2,750 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.
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 13557
Colorado 13ersPeaks near UN 13557
Frequently asked questions
How tall is UN 13557?
UN 13557 is 13,557 feet (4,132 m) tall. It is in the Elk Mountains, Colorado. It is also known as UN 13,557.
How does UN 13557 rank among the Colorado 13ers?
At 13,557 feet, UN 13557 is the 162nd highest of the 582 Colorado 13ers. The highest is Grizzly Peak.
How hard is it to climb UN 13557?
The UN13,552 East Face Couloir is Class 3, which means scrambling, where you use your hands to climb and a fall could be serious. Yak rates the overall effort hard: 9 miles with 2,750 feet of elevation gain.
How long does it take to climb UN 13557?
Most people take 8 – 10 hours round trip on the UN13,552 East Face Couloir, covering 9 miles with 2,750 feet of elevation gain. That is a long day, so start before dawn and set a turnaround time.
Is UN 13557 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 13557?
It is a good idea. Loose rock and rockfall are common on the UN13,552 East Face Couloir, so a helmet is on the gear list.
Will you get altitude sickness on UN 13557?
You might. Most people feel the altitude above 8,000 feet, and UN 13557 reaches 13,557 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 13557?
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 13557?
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 13557 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