Mt. Cameron Trip Report 07/29/2014

Peak(s):	Mt. Cameron - 14,248 feet Mt. Lincoln - 14,293 feet Mt. Bross - 14,178 feet
Date Posted:	07/29/2014
Date Climbed:	07/28/2014
Author:	emgordon

Kite Lake Loop
I arrived at the trailhead at 01:00. The clouds/storms had cleared out and the car said about 40 degrees. Met up with another hiker and we set off about 01:45. The very first part of the trail crosses the spillway of Kite Lake. The water covers entirely across the width of walkable area and probably 100+ feet. There is a bypass a little further down but it is hard to find in the dark. There was water on the trail for a good ways up, and in a few places it was hard to keep the trail in the dark. The stars kept getting better and better and there was no wind until the saddle was reached, about 50 minutes in. We turned right to Cameron and followed the mostly gentle trail to the west side of the ridge then practically stumbled upon the summit's pile of rocks about an hour after the saddle. If you aren't sure which way to continue (we weren't, the trail was faint in a few places), just head 180 degrees from your initial approach to the top. After a brief stop, the slightly steeper trail on the other side led down to a wind shelter. From here the double-knob of Lincoln was out of view but the hike was smooth to the summit. A little windy and chilly at just before 04:00 we stopped for photos and a snack. We were also unsure in the dark how to find the way to Bross but it was fairly easy. We came back down the trail then just followed low and to the left from near the Cameron-Lincoln saddle (almost no uphill back towards Cameron needed). The trail was easy to cruise and in very good shape, and somewhere we merged with a road-ish-thing and one steep part then a couple switch backs led straight to the last part of the summit ridge. A small sign under a rock let us know we had arrived, just before 05:00. The trail down continued just on the other side of the wind shelter, traversing for a long ways. It got a little steeper and there was much loose dirt and rocks, made for slow going and a few stumbles. Once the rocks ended and the greenery began, the end was near and the trail was good. A nice waterfall also along the way. Summary: 6 miles 3 peaks 5 hours total, about 1.5 hours of breaks Thumbnails for uploaded photos (click to open slideshow):

Kite Lake Loop

I arrived at the trailhead at 01:00. The clouds/storms had cleared out and the car said about 40 degrees. Met up with another hiker and we set off about 01:45. The very first part of the trail crosses the spillway of Kite Lake. The water covers entirely across the width of walkable area and probably 100+ feet. There is a bypass a little further down but it is hard to find in the dark. There was water on the trail for a good ways up, and in a few places it was hard to keep the trail in the dark. The stars kept getting better and better and there was no wind until the saddle was reached, about 50 minutes in. We turned right to Cameron and followed the mostly gentle trail to the west side of the ridge then practically stumbled upon the summit's pile of rocks about an hour after the saddle. If you aren't sure which way to continue (we weren't, the trail was faint in a few places), just head 180 degrees from your initial approach to the top. After a brief stop, the slightly steeper trail on the other side led down to a wind shelter. From here the double-knob of Lincoln was out of view but the hike was smooth to the summit. A little windy and chilly at just before 04:00 we stopped for photos and a snack. We were also unsure in the dark how to find the way to Bross but it was fairly easy. We came back down the trail then just followed low and to the left from near the Cameron-Lincoln saddle (almost no uphill back towards Cameron needed). The trail was easy to cruise and in very good shape, and somewhere we merged with a road-ish-thing and one steep part then a couple switch backs led straight to the last part of the summit ridge. A small sign under a rock let us know we had arrived, just before 05:00. The trail down continued just on the other side of the wind shelter, traversing for a long ways. It got a little steeper and there was much loose dirt and rocks, made for slow going and a few stumbles. Once the rocks ended and the greenery began, the end was near and the trail was good. A nice waterfall also along the way.

Summary:
6 miles
3 peaks
5 hours total, about 1.5 hours of breaks

Thumbnails for uploaded photos (click to open slideshow):

Comments or Questions
Not registered?

Caution: The information contained in this report may not be accurate and should not be the only resource used in preparation for your climb. Failure to have the necessary experience, physical conditioning, supplies or equipment can result in injury or death. 14ers.com and the author(s) of this report provide no warranties, either express or implied, that the information provided is accurate or reliable. By using the information provided, you agree to indemnify and hold harmless 14ers.com and the report author(s) with respect to any claims and demands against them, including any attorney fees and expenses. Please read the 14ers.com Safety and Disclaimer pages for more information.

Please respect private property: 14ers.com supports the rights of private landowners to determine how and by whom their land will be used. In Colorado, it is your responsibility to determine if land is private and to obtain the appropriate permission before entering the property.

14ers.com

Social

Mobile App