DeCaLiBron Loop

The DeCaLiBron Loop is composed of four 14ers in Pike National Forest. With 3,700 feet of elevation gain over 7.5 miles, it is not for the feint of heart. Add in that you will be spending most of the time above 13,000 feet, and being properly prepared is important to a successful day.

From downtown Alma, Colorado, turn onto Kite Lake Road and carefully make your way up the dirt road toward Kite Lake. This is road is two-wheel drive friendly, but just pay attention to potholes and go slow. As you near Kite Lake, there are plenty of free camping spots along the road, or you can pay (first-come, first-served) to camp at a designated spot at the Kite Lake campground. If you are camping, plan on an early night and a good meal to prepare for the next day, but don't forget to check out the Milky Way. Alma has very little light pollution, and the view is amazing. 

The trailhead begins at Kite Lake and quickly climbs approximately 1.5 miles up a headwall to the saddle between Mount Democrat and Mount Cameron Saddle at 13,400 feet. Take a left and continue up the east side of Mount Democrat for another 0.6 miles (and up another 200 vertical feet). This section is steep and full of boulders, so be careful. Snow is not uncommon in early fall, as well. The summit is wide and has amazing views; once you've taken it all in, descend the same route back to the saddle. Once you are back at the saddle, continue toward the summit of Mount Cameron. While it sits above 14,000 feet, it is technically not a 14er (due to prominence rules). Tag the giant open summit of Mount Cameron and descend to the saddle between Mount Cameron and Mount Lincoln.

Once you are at the saddle, climb over 200 vertical feet to the summit of Mount Lincoln. From here you have another 1.5 miles to get to Mount Bross and 3 miles back to Kite Lake, so keep an eye on the weather. Reverse your course back to the saddle and pick up the Lincoln-Bross Trail (clearly marked) to head toward Mount Bross. The summit of Mount Bross is on private property; please respect this and take the trail on public land just below the summit. This trail passes south of the summit and continues descending to the Kite Lake. As you pass under the summit of Mount Bross, the descent becomes very unpleasant and steep.

Most of the descent is on loose talus rock that slides very easily. Please watch your footing and don't be afraid to butt-slide if necessary. Pick your route carefully, and eventually you will make it back to some less steep switchbacks and a clearly marked dirt trail. If the stream is flowing, this can be a nice spot for a break on your way back to the parking lot.