Overview
UN 13,440 is an isolated Sawatch summit south of Highway 82, reached on an old mining road east of Sayres Gulch. Don't confuse it with UN 13,457 up Lincoln Creek, which once carried the same height.
You cross the South Fork, follow the closed road up switchbacks to an old cabin above treeline, then contour to the northwest ridge. It's steep but easy Class 2.
The round trip is about 5.5 miles with 2,900 feet of gain. Sayres Benchmark is an easy 1.5-mile ridge walk farther south.
Plan of the day
By 7 a.m.
Be at the old cabin by 10:30 a.m.
Steady steep gain.
Easy. Follow the old road to the cabin at 12,000 feet.
The South Fork and side streams. Filter it.
Getting to the trailhead
South Fork Lake Creek
From US 24 between Leadville and Buena Vista, take Highway 82 west past Twin Lakes about 14.5 miles and turn left (south) on the South Fork Lake Creek road (Forest Road 391), at the La Plata Peak trailhead. From Aspen, it's about 4.5 miles below the last switchback on the east side of Independence Pass.
Cross the bridge over the narrow Lake Creek gorge and drive through private land about 2.7 miles to where the Sayres Gulch road (Forest Road 382) forks right. Park near this junction. A high-clearance vehicle is best. The old mining road up the ridge east of Sayres Gulch is gated and closed for restoration.
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
South Fork Lake 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 →