Mt. Democrat: West Face Approach

Type: Backcountry or Sidecountry

This is probably the best way up Mt. Democrat before the Kite Lake road is open, unless you have a sled. Start from Fremont Pass, just past Climax Mine and hike up the gully that ends at Mt. Buckskin. Along the first part of the ascent, you'll pass near the Mt. Arkansas approach, but continue on towards Democrat.

As you head up the gully, you'll see Democrat appear on the left and Buckskin appear at the end, don't confuse the two, Buckskin may appear larger. There are several ways up the west face, probably only two that are snow the entire way, but you'll be able to scout a route from the bottom of the gully.

The climbing is boot-packing and will likely require crampons, we ended up going up a frozen waterfall near the bottom of the face.