Is it right for you?
UN 13,005 is a low, unranked bump on the ridge between UN 13,115 and Baldy Lejos, north of Creede. Newer survey data dropped it to 13,005 feet with less than 300 feet of rise, so it no longer counts as ranked. It is still worth crossing on the way to Baldy Lejos.
From the West Willow trailhead you take a jeep road to a pass, climb UN 13,115, and walk north-northwest on a wide tundra ridge with a few small bumps. The climb out of the saddle to Point 12,942 is the only steep, rocky bit. It is Class 1 to easy Class 2.
UN 13,115, UN 13,005 and Baldy Lejos are usually done together along one long tundra ridge: about 10.2 miles round trip with 2,630 feet of gain from the upper 4WD trailhead. Starting at the Equity Mine adds roughly 3 miles. Turning back at UN 13,005 cuts about 2 miles. Young kids may run out of steam after UN 13,115.
Plan of the day
By 7 a.m.
Be on UN 13,115 by 10 a.m.
The rocky slope up to Point 12,942.
Easy. Follow the ridge north-northwest.
None on the ridges. Carry all you need.
This week on the summit
Conditions on the summit
Loading Fetching the forecast for 13,005'…—
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Afternoon storm risk is the line that matters. Everything else is comfort. In summer, plan to be off the ridge before the build-up starts, not as it starts. Forecast for the summit point, adjusted for its elevation · data from Open-Meteo.
Getting there
West Willow Creek
From Highway 149 in Creede, turn north on Main Street where the highway crosses Willow Creek, and drive up through town. Start counting miles at the Rio Grande National Forest field office on the right. The road turns to graded gravel and climbs a tight canyon, becoming County Road 503. Keep left at a fork at 1.2 miles to stay on 503, and keep on 503 again where County Road 504 goes left at about 5 miles. About 7.2 miles from the field office you reach parking next to the Equity Mine. This is the end of the road for regular cars.
With a high-clearance 4WD, take Forest Road 503 north. It splits off just before the Equity Mine lot, climbs steeply, then runs up the valley. It fords West Willow Creek to the east bank after about 0.6 mile and back to the west bank at about 1.25 miles. The Forest Service has closed the road at this second ford in the past because of washouts higher up, so check current status. If it's open, drive about 0.6 mile more to a sharp uphill bend with room for just a few vehicles. Most stock SUVs can get this far. The trail to San Luis Pass leaves north from here. Road conditions change, so be ready to walk.
There is no good camping at the parking spot. A capable vehicle can climb the short, steep pitch above it to a big, flat, open area with room to camp but no trees. Lower down, the road runs through fenced private land before the Equity Mine, so don't camp there. The best site below is about a mile short of the mine, and there are a couple of level car-camp spots near the two fords.
Base towns and camping for this climb
Coming from out of state? See Lodging & Camping for how free camping works, what is closed this year and where to stay.
Before you go
Check these the week of your climb.
Official forecast
The National Weather Service forecast for the summit area, hour by hour. Look for thunderstorm chances and wind above treeline.
NWS point forecast →Directions to the trailhead
West Willow Creek. Road conditions near the trailhead change after storms. Check your clearance and have a backup plan for a lower lot.
Get directions →Roads and highways
Closures, construction and winter conditions on the highways that get you there.
COtrip road conditions →Closures and fire rules
Trail closures, fire bans and other alerts from the Forest Service in Colorado. For the latest on your trailhead, call the local ranger district.
Forest Service alerts →Snow on the route?
From fall through early summer, any snow slope can slide. Check the avalanche forecast before you go.
Avalanche forecast →Cell signal
Most trailheads and many summits have little or no signal. Check coverage near the trailhead and carry a satellite messenger or beacon if you can.
FCC coverage map →