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Mount Bross

snow "S Gully"
Difficulty Class 2 
Snow Steepness: Easy 
Ski/Board: Intermediate, D3 / R2 / I  
Risk FactorsExposure: Moderate
Rockfall Potential: Moderate  
Route-Finding: Moderate  
Commitment: Moderate  
 
TrailheadKite Lake
Start12,000 feet
Summit14,178 feet
Total Gain3,250 feet starting at Paris Mill
2,600 feet starting near Sweet Home Mine
RT Length9.5 mi starting at Paris Mill
6 mi starting near Sweet Home Mine
AuthorBillMiddlebrook
Last UpdatedOct 2022
DownloadsgpxGPX Track
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?WARNING!
This route should only be climbed with consolidated, stable snow, usually in spring or early summer. In mid-winter, many snow routes have frequent risk of avalanche.
?SUMMIT CLOSED
Currently, the summit of Mt. Bross is officially closed because the multitude of landowners have not given formal permission to allow hikers. If you don't have permission and you're set on reaching the true summit via this route, please consider waiting until it reopens.

Trailhead

Take Colorado 9 to Alma. In the middle of town and on the west side of the road, look for a small sign for the road to Kite Lake. It's across the road from the "Caniglia Real Estate" building. Turn here and drive a bit through a residential area. Continue 6 miles to Kite Lake. The last mile of this road can be a bit more rough, but a good-clearance 2WD should still be able to make it to within a couple hundred yards of the TH lot, when the road is dry. There are restrooms and some camping spots at the trailhead. You must pay a $5 fee to park/camp at Kite Lake. If you park below, walk up the road to Kite Lake.

Route

This route is recommended as a winter/spring snow hike with optional ski descent. Your starting location depends on whether or not the road is still blocked (for winter) at the Paris Mill or how high you can drive if it has started to melt out. Hike, snowshoe or skin up the Kite Lake road. From the summer trailhead, turn right, enter a shallow gully and follow it north-northeast toward Mt. Cameron - 1. The S Gully cannot be seen from the Kite Lake area and starts below the Cameron-Bross saddle.

Continue northeast through the basin to approximately 12,500' in a large open area. Mt. Cameron is ahead and Mt. Democrat is back to your left - 2. Taken from the northwest, 3 and 4 show the location of the S gully. Continue east to the base of the gully ( 5), near 12,800'. Enter the mellow, serpentine gully and continue hiking - 6 and 7. Taken at 13,700', 8 shows the view of Mt. Democrat behind the route. Keep hiking as the gully gets steeper and turns right, near 13,800' - 9. The snow will likely run out somewhere between 13,700' and 14,000'. Intersect the standard, Kite Lake loop trail near 14,000'.

Since 2007, the summit of Bross has officially been closed because the multitude of landowners have not given formal permission to allow hikers. 14ers.com doesn't condone trespassing but if you have permission or intend to gain the summit regardless, cross the loop trail and follow an unmaintained trail to the summit area.

Skiing?

With continuous snow, this is one of the best ski routes on Mt. Bross. It's a long gully followed by wide-open skiing to Kite Lake.

Notes

None
#1 #2 #3 #4 #5 #6 #7 #8 #9

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Caution: The information contained in this route description may not be accurate and should not be the only resource used in preparation for your climb. Failure to have the necessary experience, physical conditioning, supplies or equipment can result in injury or death. 14ers.com and the author(s) of this route description provide no warranties, either express or implied, that the information provided is accurate or reliable. By using the information provided, you agree to indemnify and hold harmless 14ers.com and the route description author(s) with respect to any claims and demands against them, including any attorney fees and expenses. Please read the 14ers.com Safety and Disclaimer pages for more information.

Please respect private property: 14ers.com supports the rights of private landowners to determine how and by whom their land will be used. In Colorado, it is your responsibility to determine if land is private and to obtain the appropriate permission before entering the property.
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