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13,390 ft · Sawatch Range, Colorado

Williams Mtn

Williams Mtn is a 13,390 ft peak in the Sawatch Range, Colorado. The standard route is the Williams Mtn. North Ridge: 17 mi, 4,660 ft of gain, Class 3.

Plan this climbView Colorado 13ers
Williams Mtn in the Sawatch Range, Colorado

Williams Mtn at a glance

  • Elevation13,390 ft4,081 m
  • RouteWilliams Mtn. North RidgeClass 3
  • Distance17 mi4,660 ft gain
  • Time14 – 16 hrsVery Hard effort
  • SeasonJul – Sep
  • RangeSawatch RangeColorado

Climbing the Williams Mtn. North Ridge

Williams Mtn sits in the Sawatch Range. The usual ascent is Williams Mtn. North Ridge, rated Class 3. Plan about 17.5 miles round-trip with roughly 4,660 ft of gain from about 10,540 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. A helmet is wise on loose Class 3 sections.

Gear and hazards

What to bring

  • Backpack (55–75 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 Williams Mtn

Peaks near Williams Mtn

  1. UN 13204

    UN 13204

    13,204 ft · 0.5 mi away

  2. UN 13139

    UN 13139

    13,139 ft · 0.8 mi away

  3. Williams Mtn South

    Williams Mtn South

    13,321 ft · 1.5 mi away

  4. UN 13006

    UN 13006

    13,006 ft · 2.6 mi away

Frequently asked questions

How tall is Williams Mtn?

Williams Mtn is 13,390 feet (4,081 m) tall. It is in the Sawatch Range, Colorado.

How does Williams Mtn rank among the Colorado 13ers?

At 13,390 feet, Williams Mtn is the 275th highest of the 582 Colorado 13ers. The highest is Grizzly Peak.

How hard is it to climb Williams Mtn?

The Williams Mtn. North 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: 17 miles with 4,660 feet of elevation gain.

How long does it take to climb Williams Mtn?

Most people take 14 – 16 hours round trip on the Williams Mtn. North Ridge, covering 17 miles with 4,660 feet of elevation gain. That is a long day, so start before dawn and set a turnaround time.

Is Williams Mtn 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 Williams Mtn?

It is a good idea. Loose rock and rockfall are common on the Williams Mtn. North Ridge, so a helmet is on the gear list.

Will you get altitude sickness on Williams Mtn?

You might. Most people feel the altitude above 8,000 feet, and Williams Mtn reaches 13,390 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 Williams Mtn?

Early. Afternoon thunderstorms are common in summer, so aim to be off the summit and the exposed upper mountain by early afternoon. At 14 – 16 hours round trip, many parties start in the dark.

When is the best time to climb Williams Mtn?

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 Williams Mtn 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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