UN 13,015 (formerly UN 13,020 interpolated) near Maroon Lake and Willow Pass has been determined to be no longer a ranked summit per Lidar evaluation, which gives it 292 ft. of prominence. This has reduced the total number of ranked 13ers from 584 to 583. We will be adjusting our list in the near future.
A basic Class 2 hike on mostly tundra with the usual amount of rock & rubble thrown in for good measure, typical of the Sawatch Range. Our route approaches this summit from the west and begins on the Independence Pass highway, on the east side of the pass. Front Range hikers may want to consider a trailhead start up the Halfmoon Creek area where climbers often access peaks such as Massive or Oklahoma.
The North Fork Lake Creek TH we use for this peak has the advantages of 1. Easy access for passenger cars all on pavement versus a trailhead start up Halfmoon Creek that requires several miles of dirt road driving; and 2. Far fewer people and competition for campsites, etc. The disadvantage is greater hiking mileage. If you choose to access this peak from the Halfmoon Creek side out of Leadville, use Gerry Roach's directions for the Mt. Massive south trail access. Lidar measurements added 8 feet to this summit.