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13,559 ft · Elk Mountains, Colorado

UN 13559

UN 13559 is a 13,559 ft peak in the Elk Mountains, Colorado. The standard route is the UN13,559 South Face: 7 mi, 3,150 ft of gain, Class 3.

UN 13559 in the Elk Mountains, Colorado

UN 13559 at a glance

  • Elevation13,559 ft4,132 m
  • RouteUN13,559 South FaceClass 3
  • Distance7 mi3,150 ft gain
  • Time7 – 9 hrsHard effort
  • SeasonJul – Sep
  • RangeElk MountainsColorado

Climbing the UN13,559 South Face

UN 13559 sits in the Elk Mountains. The usual ascent is UN13,559 South Face, rated Class 3. Plan about 7.9 miles round-trip with roughly 3,150 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 (25–35 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 13559

Peaks near UN 13559

  1. UN 13173

    UN 13173

    13,173 ft · 0.9 mi away

  2. Castleabra

    Castleabra

    13,804 ft · 0.9 mi away

  3. Castle Peak

    Castle Peak

    14,279 ft · 1.4 mi away

  4. Triangle Peak

    Triangle Peak

    13,405 ft · 1.6 mi away

Frequently asked questions

How tall is UN 13559?

UN 13559 is 13,559 feet (4,132 m) tall. It is in the Elk Mountains, Colorado. It is also known as UN 13,559.

How does UN 13559 rank among the Colorado 13ers?

At 13,559 feet, UN 13559 is the 160th highest of the 582 Colorado 13ers. The highest is Grizzly Peak.

How hard is it to climb UN 13559?

The UN13,559 South Face 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: 7 miles with 3,150 feet of elevation gain.

How long does it take to climb UN 13559?

Most people take 7 – 9 hours round trip on the UN13,559 South Face, covering 7 miles with 3,150 feet of elevation gain, so most people do it in a day.

Is UN 13559 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 13559?

It is a good idea. Loose rock and rockfall are common on the UN13,559 South Face, so a helmet is on the gear list.

Will you get altitude sickness on UN 13559?

You might. Most people feel the altitude above 8,000 feet, and UN 13559 reaches 13,559 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 13559?

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 climb UN 13559?

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 13559 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