Mt. Democrat (CLOSED)
Leadville, Colorado
Details
Distance
4 miles
Elevation Gain
2150 ft
Route Type
Out-and-Back
Description
Added by Will McKay
Mt. Democrat is in the summit county area of Colorado. With that comes sloping peaks, colorful aspens, and fresh mountain air.
NOTE: As of March 2023, access to parts of this loop that are on private property (including Mt. Democrat & Mt. Lincoln) are closed to the public indefinitely. (Source)
To begin this wonderful hike, drive from the town of Alma, Colorado and head up Buckskin Street for about 6 miles. I would highly recommend a a vehicle with some clearance. Consider even a 4x4 vehicle if rain/snow is in the forecast!
Upon arriving to the Kite Lake parking lot, proceed to pay the $3 for the day parking. I would even suggest getting to the lake a day early and camping overnight, mostly so you can start before sunrise. Trust me, the sunrise will not disappoint you.
So you're ready to hike... where do ya go?
Head East of the lake and follow the trail up the east face of Mt. Democrat (should be on your left). You'll head up for a mile up to a small pass that sits between the summit of Mt. Democrat and and the unofficial fourteener, Mt. Cameron.
Make sure you look over the ridge, its a pretty spectacular view. Also it's very windy, VERY windy.
From the pass you'll head up a field of moderately stable scree. This is will be about another mile to the summit. As you reach the top you'll be slightly disappointed because it is indeed a false summit. Have no fear, the real summit is only about another 10 minutes up the trail.
Once you hit the summit, take your camera out to prove to your friends that you hiked a mountain. Also be sure to find the summit sign otherwise your summit won't technically count.
After you've enjoyed the views, head back down the trail the same way you came up. Just be careful with the scree on the departure.
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Reviews
I had every intention of doing Mt. Democrat, Mt. Cameron, Mt. Lincoln, and Mt. Bross but Mother Nature had a different plan! I checked the weather forecast the morning of and there was no rain. The day started out beautiful but by the time I had summited Mt. Democrat, I could see some ominous looking clouds moving quickly through the sky. Decided it was best to call it a day with 1 summit and I'm glad I did! As soon as I reached my car there was thunder and lightening over head and it started to pour rain. With that kind of weather the last place I would want to be is on top of a 14er. Great views at the top though, will try to go back one day for the other 3-14ers I missed.
5.0
This is a great hike. When we went we decided to summit 3 -14ers. Mt. Democrat, Mt. Lincoln, and Mt. Bross. Lincoln ended up being closed, but we got close enough to spit on it. The trail at the top is marked fairly well so that you can see where to go if you want to summit all three
5.0
I remember once I reached the pass and looked over I thought to myself, "My god there must be 20 years worth of adventures just in this area". It's truly an incredible viewpoint. The hike is easy and pretty short, but still pace yourself especially if it's your first 14er. The false summit indeed is some trickery!
4.0
We started before sunrise for this one since we were planning on doing all 4 Summits that day. After our summit of Democrat weather got bad and we went back to the trail head. A couple got engaged on top just before we summited.
5.0
Leave No Trace
Always practice Leave No Trace ethics on your adventures and follow local regulations. Please explore responsibly!
Nearby
Mounts Democrat, Lincoln, Cameron and Bross (CLOSED)
Decalibron Loop (CLOSED)
Camp at Kite Lake
Discover Ancient Trees on Windy Ridge
Backcountry Ski at Fremont Pass
Winter Climb of North Star Mountain
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