UN 13033 (Williams South C) & Williams Benchmark (13,312) by Brian Schultz Sunday July 18, 2021

Roundtrip mileage: ~10.5 miles from Lost Man trailhead
Elevation gain: ~3,500'
Start to finish: 9 hours 35 minutes

I parked at the Lost Man trailhead below Independence Pass. I planned on climbing only the first two peaks of the Williams Mountains range, though all five of them can be climbed together, often by younger and stronger climbers. I don't fall into that group.

I began at 6:50 AM and turned immediately to the left on the Midway Creek trail from the information sign. It's a good trail and despite getting wet from dew on the lush vegetation, I knew I'd dry off fast with the forecast calling for clear and sunny skies. It didn't take long to enter the Hunter Fryingpan Wilderness area.

I took my time stopping for breaks and enjoying the view of a small lake higher up before leaving the trail. Two hikers on a break by the lake were hiking to Aspen and another runner passed by me as I departed the trail at 8:55 toward the south slopes of UN 13033. This was easy tundra with scree and I had no difficulties getting to the summit. I arrived at 9:45.

The ridge to Williams Benchmark looked rough and long, and after a quick break I headed down to the saddle. That only took about 20 minutes but nothing was fast once I got on the ridge. The climbing reminded me of North Arapaho Peak with the mini ridges and numerous gullies except there were a lot more here. Every time I thought I was past them and approaching easier terrain, more would appear and dash my hopes. This was as much a mental challenge as it was physical but after an hour and a half from the saddle, I arrived on the summit (photo 1, photo 2) at 12:50.

I enjoyed a 25 minute stay and found comfort knowing the descent off Williams Benchmark would be relatively easy to the Lost Man trail. I descended straight off the summit to the open basin below and contoured north of Scott Lake. Out of water at this point, I stopped at a stream and dug out the Life Straw that's been sitting unused in my pack for years. It didn't work.

Dehydrated and with lots of miles to get back to the trailhead, I pressed on and unwittingly veered into the trees on the steeper side of the basin. It was a bit challenging to get lower down but I managed to finally reach the trail. I was moving at a good pace and stopped when I saw a couple and their son taking a food break. I asked if they had any water to spare and the guy pulled out a half liter and handed it to me. I downed it in less than 10 seconds. He asked if I wanted more but I politely declined, and while talking for a few minutes, I found out they were from Rochester, Minnesota. Wow, what were the odds of meeting someone from my home state? That made my day!

I hurried down the trail, still dehydrated, and finally reached the reservoir. I initially headed down the trail on the right side of the reservoir but turned back to cross the reservoir to the other trail. This trail brought me back to the trailhead in short order (the other one would've been fine too) and I pulled in at 4:25. This made for a nice loop route for the day.