Download the free ViewRanger GPS app and these waypoints and tackle the DeCaLiBron loop. You’ll touch the top of four Fourteeners in one day.
Welcome to the DeCaLiBron. This seven-mile loop in the Tenmile-Mosquito Range brings you over four Fourteeners—Democrat, Cameron, Lincoln and Bross—in one fell swoop. You’ll gain 3,600 feet, but most of the climbing comes early, leaving you to enjoy a long day above treeline.
Kite Lake Trailhead
Take Colorado Hwy 9 to Alma. In the center of town, turn west onto Kite Lake Road (Park County 8), which is marked with a small sign. Follow it northwest up Buckskin Gulch for 6 miles to Kite Lake (12,000 feet) where there are a few camping spots (and a $5 parking fee). Hike past the lake and follow the well-traveled path north out of the basin. Walk past a collapsed mine shack and follow the rugged, rocky trail above it to reach the bottom of Democrat’s east slope.
Back in the Saddle
At about 12,800 feet, the trail snakes south and then turns north to reach the 13,380-foot saddle between Democrat and Cameron. From here, follow the trail as it turns left and climbs up steep terrain past some abandoned mines to the 13,900-foot summit ridge.
Mount Democrat Summit
From the ridge, it’s an easy climb to the summit at 14,148 feet, where you’ll be greeted with breathtaking views and a good look at the rest of your route. Descend back to the saddle and head east along the trail which stays below Cameron’s west ridge. Regain this ridge around 13,500 feet.
Mount Cameron Summit
Follow the ridge to reach your second summit at 14,238 feet. Since it only rises 157 feet from its saddle with Lincoln, this is not ranked as an “official” Fourteener. (To be considered official, a peak must rise at least 300 feet above the saddle that connects it to the nearest, higher peak.) We say it’s still a high point over 14,000 feet, so revel in your accomplishment! From here, descend northeast toward Lincoln
Mount Lincoln Summit
From the saddle between Cameron and Lincoln, follow the trail up a rocky, class-II ridge to reach your third and highest summit of the day. At 14,286 feet, Lincoln is the highest peak in the Tenmile-Mosquito Range, the eighth highest in the state and the eleventh highest in the lower 48. Feeling tired? Don’t fret—it’s a short 1.5 miles to the last summit and three miles to the car.
Back in the Saddle Again
Retrace your steps to reach the saddle between Cameron and Lincoln at 14,100 feet. Then, head southeast to reach the Cameron-Bross saddle at about 13,860 feet. Continue southeast and head right when you reach a trail junction at about 13,900 feet. Fairly quickly, you’ll reach a road intersection. Stay left and follow the trail, which skirts south below the summit and eventually intersects a gully that drops steeply to the right. (Bross is privately owned so there’s no clear path to the summit.)
Mount Bross Summit
Enjoy the room to lounge on your final peak at 14,172 feet. Please note that Mount Bross may be closed when you go. If so, stay on the trail that skirts close enough to the summit. Head back to the trailhead via Bross’ West Slope route which cuts down a steep gully to reach the basin east of Kite Lake. Take care, as this scree-filled section can be slippery.
