1 and
2 show Mt. Democrat from the Kite Lake road and
3 is a different angle, from Mt. Buckskin. In these photos, notice the distinct line of rock outcroppings on Democrat's south slope. They form a set of chutes which are used on this route. From the trailhead, begin hiking northwest toward a small basin, left of Democrat's southeast slope -
4. Once in the small basin (12,500'), continue west to its west end and ascend 200+ feet to reach easier terrain, just above and northwest of Lake Emma -
5 and
6.
Now above 12,800', continue northwest toward the chutes and rock outcroppings in the center of the south slope -
7,
8. Angle up to the right and begin climbing steeper terrain below the chutes. On steeper terrain, enter the first chute OR continue left to pick a different one. This description uses the first chute. Climb the chute (
9 and
10) and pass through the rock outcroppings, near 13,400' -
11. Now on easier ground, hike north/northwest up the upper slope to reach the summit -
14 and
15. Descend via the same route or use the
Mt. Democrat - East Slopes (standard) route.
South Slope
GPX
KML
