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We left Denver around 5:45am and headed up 285 to Fairplay/ Alma. The turn to Kite Lake is right in the town of Alma ( we actually drove passed it and had to turn around a few miles north of town). The road from Alma to the Kite Lake trailhead was passable but slow. When we arrived at the trailhead it was 7:20am and about 49 degrees- a great break from the Denver heat. If you get there early you can choose between parking right at the trailhead ( fee area) or below which is free.
We took off around 7:45am. Our trail began at Kite Lake and marched us right up to Mt Democrat.
Around 9:30am, we found ourselves on the Mt Democrat summit
We wanted to get all peaks in so we didnt stay long.
By about 10:15am, we were hiking up the saddle to Mt Cameron
We made time for a quick break to take in some views from the "summit"
We quickly got back on the trail and headed down the (steep) saddle to Mt Lincoln. The trail soon turns over and we found ourselves gaining elevation
We hit Lincoln's summit around 11:00am and stopped to take a few pictures
From the top, we could see Quandry which we climbed in June.
By about 11:10am the clouds were threatening our final summit so we scooted over to Bross. As you pass along the saddle leading to the big B, you get a clear view of Democrat across the rock.
We found ourselves on the last summit right at 12pm and found that the clouds were still on our side. We snapped a few last pictures before hiking down.
The trail down to Kite Lake makes it evident why the trip takes you along Democrat, Cameron, Lincoln, then Bross. Its about as steep as you can get without wanting to sit down and ride it out ( although some did take a trip down on their rears - both purposeful and accidental). Once we were about .25mi from the trailhead, we were back on softer ground, surrounded by wildflowers.
We had lunch around 1:15pm near the steam that basically serves as the Kite Lake's string. )
It was a beautiful hike in the Mosquito Range and provoked interest in doing Sherman soon!
Thumbnails for uploaded photos (click to open slideshow):
We found the sign there at the summit, considered taking down but others wanted it for their own glory shots.. I apologize that it was left, I agree that the last person should have taken it down..
I was also up there on Saturday. It didn‘t make for great photo opportunities, but the cool weather made for easy climbing conditions. I am not a time guy, but I surprised myself by doing the loop in 4 hours!
Our trailhead began at Kite Lake. We didnt have any issues however there are signs at various points that indicate private land. The trail is quite popular with plenty of people and well maintained trails.
Nice report! I was also on Democrat Saturday... It was a beautiful day for a hike.
I noticed (and used) the sign someone left on Democrat for my picture; I left mine in the Jeep. However, I didn't bring it down. I understand leaving the sign for others to use; it's hard to tell "which peak that was??" when you get back home. Maybe we could put it in the container with the register??
Nice trip report. However next time could you please not leave your sign on Mt. Bross. I was up there on the 27th and performed clean up duty.
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