Is it right for you?
UN 13,039, also called Williams South C, is the southernmost and easiest of the Williams summits, reached by a good trail from the highway.
The Midway Pass trail switchbacks up through forest, then contours a big south-facing basin to a small pond. From there you walk north up a broad, gentle ridge along wind-bent trees to the summit ridge. It is Class 2. The southern high point is 8 feet higher than the northern one.
The round trip is about 9 miles with 2,800 feet of gain. Mileage and gain are our estimates. An easy Class 2 ridge continues to Williams Benchmark. September snow squalls are common here.
Plan of the day
By 7 a.m.
Be at the pond by 10:30 a.m.
Nothing hard.
Easy. Leave the trail a little west of the pond and head north.
Small streams and the pond. Filter it.
This week on the summit
Conditions on the summit
Loading Fetching the forecast for 13,039'…—
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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
Lost Man
The Lost Man trailhead is on Highway 82 about 14 miles east of Aspen, on the west side of Independence Pass, across the highway from Lost Man Campground. From the east, it's about 5.5 miles below the top of the pass.
The paved road is fine for any car. The highway over the pass is closed in winter, usually from early November to late May.
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
Lost Man. 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 →