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Mount Bross

 West Slopes
Difficulty Class 2 
Ski/Board: Intermediate, D4 / R2 / I  
Risk FactorsExposure: Moderate
Rockfall Potential: Moderate  
Route-Finding: Low  
Commitment: Low  
 
TrailheadKite Lake
Start12,000 feet
Summit14,178 feet
Total Gain2,250 feet
RT Length3.25 miles
AuthorBillMiddlebrook
Last UpdatedOct 2022
DownloadsgpxGPX Track
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?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

From the parking area, locate a trail that leaves the east side of the parking area just before the road continues over the drainage from Kite Lake - 1. Hike east over the basin and begin the ascent toward the gully that drains between Mt. Bross and "South Bross" - 2. Reach the base of the gully near 12,300' ( 3) and easily cross to its south side - 4. Hike up through some steep rocks and turn right (southeast) up terrain south of the gully. Near 12,500' the trail turns back to the left to get closer to the gully. Continue along the south side of the gully ( 5 and 6) to 13,100' where the trail turns left to the gully - 7 and 8. Turn left, cross the gully, and follow the trail northwest (hard left) toward the ridge on the north side of the gully. Ascend 200 feet to reach the ridge crest at 13,300' - 9 and 10.

Follow trail segments up the ridge on rocky terrain - 11. Near 13,600', the terrain becomes less rocky ( 12) and the trail a bit more defined. On your descent, care must be taken in this area because the gravel-covered trail can be slippery. Follow the trail to the left side of the ridge ( 13) where you can see the summit. Continue to 14,000' and intersect the top of the "S" gully that comes up from the west - 14.

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, follow an unmaintained trail to reach the summit area - 15 and 16.

Notes

None
#1 #2 #3 #4 #5 #6 #7 #8 #9 #10 #11 #12 #13 #14 #15 #16

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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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