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 -
6 and
7.
Now above 12,800', continue northwest toward the chutes and rock outcroppings in the center of the south slope -
8,
9 and
10. Angle up to the right and begin climbing steeper terrain below the chutes. Angle right up steeper terrain and enter the first chute OR continue left to pick a different one. This description uses the first chute. Climb the chute (
10 and
11) and pass through the rock outcroppings, near 13,400' -
12 and
13. Now on easier ground, hike north/northwest up the upper slope to reach the summit -
14,
15 and
16. Descend via the same route or use the
Mt. Democrat - East Slopes (standard) route.
South Slope
GPX Track File
WARNING!
