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- Mount Democrat
14,155 ft · Mosquito Range, Colorado
Mount Democrat
Mount Democrat is a 14,155 ft peak in the Mosquito Range, Colorado. The standard route is the East Slope: 4 mi, 2,150 ft of gain, Class 2.
Mount Democrat at a glance
- Elevation14,155 ft4,314 m
- RouteEast SlopeClass 2
- Distance4 mi2,150 ft gain
- Time3 – 5 hrsVery Hard effort
- SeasonJun – Sep
- RangeMosquito RangeColorado
Climbing the East Slope
From Alma, Colorado, take Highway 9 north and turn onto Kite Lake Road to the trailhead at Kite Lake. This is one of Colorado's most popular 14ers and is often climbed first as part of the famous Decalibron loop (Democrat, Cameron, Lincoln, Bross). The trail is steep with loose rock on the upper sections. Very crowded on summer weekends so consider early or shoulder season starts. Class 2 terrain throughout. Start early to avoid afternoon thunderstorms. The summit offers great views of the Mosquito and Tenmile Ranges.
Gear and hazards
What to bring
Backpack (20–30 L)
Water
Offline Maps
Headlamp
Satellite Communicator
Whistle
Sunglasses
Sunscreen
Hiking Boots
Midlayer
Insulated Jacket
Hardshell Jacket
Sun Hat
Warm Hat
Buff
Midweight Gloves
Trekking Poles
GPS Device
Power Bank
Water Filter
First-Aid Kit
Emergency Bivy
What to watch for
- Steep exposure
- Snow near summit
- Ice near summit
- Storms
- Loose rock
- High altitude
- Altitude sickness
- High winds
- Low visibility
Mount Democrat on Yak
Climbers have shared 77 climbs of Mount Democrat on Yak. Read their trip reports and recent conditions in the app
Quests with Mount Democrat
Colorado 14ers
Lower 48 14ers
Colorado CentennialsPeaks near Mount Democrat
Frequently asked questions
How tall is Mount Democrat?
Mount Democrat is 14,155 feet (4,314 m) tall. It is in the Mosquito Range, Colorado.
How does Mount Democrat rank among the Colorado 14ers?
At 14,155 feet, Mount Democrat is the 29th highest of the 58 Colorado 14ers. The highest is Mount Elbert.
How hard is it to hike Mount Democrat?
The East Slope is Class 2, which means off-trail hiking with some use of your hands for balance. Yak rates the overall effort very hard: 4 miles with 2,150 feet of elevation gain.
How long does it take to hike Mount Democrat?
Most people take 3 – 5 hours round trip on the East Slope, covering 4 miles with 2,150 feet of elevation gain, so most people do it in a day.
Can a beginner hike Mount Democrat?
The East Slope needs no climbing skills, but it is a very hard day: 4 miles with 2,150 feet of elevation gain. Build up on shorter hikes first, start early and carry plenty of water and layers.
Will you get altitude sickness on Mount Democrat?
You might. Most people feel the altitude above 8,000 feet, and Mount Democrat reaches 14,155 feet. Spend a night or two at elevation first, drink plenty of water and turn back if a headache, nausea or dizziness gets worse.
What time should you start hiking Mount Democrat?
Early. Afternoon thunderstorms are common in summer, so aim to be off the summit and the exposed upper mountain by early afternoon.
When is the best time to hike Mount Democrat?
The usual hiking window is June to September. Outside it, expect snow, storms or closed access, and check the summit forecast before you go.
What is the trailhead elevation for Mount Democrat?
The East Slope starts at about 12,010 feet, roughly 2,145 feet below the summit.
What routes go up Mount Democrat?
The standard route is the East Slope. Other routes include the Combo: Decalibron.
Climb Mount Democrat with Yak
Plan your route on a topo map, check the summit forecast, then log your climb and see what is left on your list