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13,321 ft · Sawatch Range, Colorado

Williams Mtn South

Williams Mtn South is a 13,321 ft peak in the Sawatch Range, Colorado. The standard route is the Williams Benchmark NE Ridge: 13 mi, 3,010 ft of gain, Class 2.

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

Williams Mtn South at a glance

  • Elevation13,321 ft4,060 m
  • RouteWilliams Benchmark NE RidgeClass 2
  • Distance13 mi3,010 ft gain
  • Time8 – 10 hrsHard effort
  • SeasonJul – Sep
  • RangeSawatch RangeColorado

Climbing the Williams Benchmark NE Ridge

Williams Mtn South sits in the Sawatch Range. The usual ascent is Williams Benchmark NE Ridge, rated Class 2. Plan about 13.5 miles round-trip with roughly 3,010 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. Bring layers for cold wind on the summit ridge.

Gear and hazards

What to bring

  • Backpack (35–55 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 Williams Mtn South

Peaks near Williams Mtn South

  1. UN 13204

    UN 13204

    13,204 ft · 1.0 mi away

  2. UN 13039

    UN 13039

    13,039 ft · 1.4 mi away

  3. Williams Mtn

    Williams Mtn

    13,390 ft · 1.5 mi away

  4. UN 13139

    UN 13139

    13,139 ft · 2.2 mi away

Frequently asked questions

How tall is Williams Mtn South?

Williams Mtn South is 13,321 feet (4,060 m) tall. It is in the Sawatch Range, Colorado.

How does Williams Mtn South rank among the Colorado 13ers?

At 13,321 feet, Williams Mtn South is the 323rd highest of the 582 Colorado 13ers. The highest is Grizzly Peak.

How hard is it to hike Williams Mtn South?

The Williams Benchmark NE Ridge is Class 2, which means off-trail hiking with some use of your hands for balance. Yak rates the overall effort hard: 13 miles with 3,010 feet of elevation gain.

How long does it take to hike Williams Mtn South?

Most people take 8 – 10 hours round trip on the Williams Benchmark NE Ridge, covering 13 miles with 3,010 feet of elevation gain. That is a long day, so start before dawn and set a turnaround time.

Can a beginner hike Williams Mtn South?

The Williams Benchmark NE Ridge needs no climbing skills, but it is a hard day: 13 miles with 3,010 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 Williams Mtn South?

You might. Most people feel the altitude above 8,000 feet, and Williams Mtn South reaches 13,321 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 Williams Mtn South?

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 hike Williams Mtn South?

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 Williams Mtn South 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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