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Winter route up the west face of Mt. Democrat.


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Map Key

3.2

Miles

5.2

KM

Ascent

14,134' 4,308 m

High

11,023' 3,360 m

Low

3,142' 958 m

Up

31' 10 m

Down

19%

Avg Slope (11°)

111%

Max Slope (48°)
Type: Backcountry or Sidecountry

Description

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.

Contacts

Shared By:

Jacob Winey

Trail Ratings

  3.0 from 1 vote

#7

in Leadville

#395

Overall
  3.0 from 1 vote
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Ascent Rankings

#7

in Leadville

#147

in Colorado

#395

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1,391 Since Apr 7, 2016
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Photos

Jason, near Fremont Pass after skiing Democrat (in the background).
Apr 11, 2016 near Leadville, CO
View from the top of Democrat.
Apr 11, 2016 near Leadville, CO
The railroad crossing - one of the stranger things you'll find on a skintrack.
Feb 27, 2023 near Copper…, CO
Approaching the west face of Democrat as the sun rises.
Apr 11, 2016 near Leadville, CO

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