Which way down is easier (safer)? Decalibron

[Le Marmot]

If you go down Bross.... DON'T GO DOWN THE S GULLY JQ

+100 we made this mistake, thinking it would be quicker as we needed to get back to camp fast. Boy were we wrong! S gully is suitable only for skiing (snow, not skree). Period.

[Wish I lived in CO]

Others pointed out a return walk on the ridge to go back down democrat, never thought of that but a good idea.

However if doing a loop I think it would be better to go down Bross than up. Bross has the type of scree that you can "surf". You have to be daring and accept that you will be willfully sliding down the mountain, somewhat controlled, somewhat uncontrolled. I actually thought it was fun, but a person certainly could wind up tripping or worse. Or you can tippy-toe it, but that would take hours and be a major pain. The scree is more pebble to gravel size, rather than the smaller kind where you just fall on your butt. Keep in mind I just did Columbia a few days ago - I thought that was worst of any 14er so far, a fair bit worse than Bross. No surfing there, just an agonizing downclimb trying not to slip with every step.

[JeffR]

Or you could do the East Slopes route and avoid the whole mess. Bonus: you get to see 4x4s getting stuck in the scree.

[paul109876]

7/5 I'll do the out and back and return the Demo/Cameron saddle. I mapped it like that and since I will not being doing Democrat it is only about 7.25 miles RT.

[Wish I lived in CO]

7/5 I'll do the out and back and return the Demo/Cameron saddle. I mapped it like that and since I will not being doing Democrat it is only about 7.25 miles RT.

Sounds like a good choice. Have a great climb Paul !!!!!

[Pikesperk]

I did the standard clockwise route decending Bross a week ago. No big deal. From all the talk about Bross decent I was waiting for the terrible part. It's totally fine and I didn't see what the big issue was. Yes there are areas of just loose small rocks but no worse than other peaks. I went through these spots stair stepping/sliding sideways the whole way and it was super fast!

[myfeetrock]

I came down Bross thinking it was hard till a one armed man and his dog ran down past me. I want to say he did the loop in an hour and a half.

[wildlobo71]

The best way to come down is with feet-on-the-ground. I think it behooves us all to learn how to deal with loose scree on a mountain descent; if this is a pursuit you plan on taking on for years and hundreds of climbs, you will encounter it where you don't want it, least expected it... better to practice and maybe slip, fall, and curse, than try to always avoid. There's always technique to learn, even on ball bearings.

Besides we need people going down these scree-trails to carry on the Bross-bashing tradition.

[stacymullikin]

Is there a way to just do Lincoln, Democrat and Cameron to avoid Bross altogether? I really want to avoid scree or loose rock as much as possible what is best 14er to avoid scree that's not too far from vail?

[dpage]

I really want to avoid scree or loose rock as much as possible

Have you considered a different hobby?

[JeffR]

Is there a way to just do Lincoln, Democrat and Cameron to avoid Bross altogether? I really want to avoid scree or loose rock as much as possible what is best 14er to avoid scree that's not too far from vail?

Why avoid Bross? That's not the problem. As pointed out, just return the way you came up and avoid the west slopes. Done and done.

[paul109876]

I did not get the opportunity to hike the route as planned. Hike up to the Democrat/Cameron saddle ( skip Democrat, been there done that) hit Cameron, Lincoln and then Bross and back track. As mentioned earlier I planned out the route like this and the total RT length was about 7.5 miles.

I will be back in late August (29th) and will try this out 1st.

The reasons for "Me" doing this is that I am not comfortable going down a route that I have not seen going up. I try to base some decisions on others opinions but that is somewhat subjective based upon their experience level.
I have some knee and back issues and try to protect those an much as possible and in the past if I come to a section of "up" that is new to me on a skill level I ask myself, " Can I get down this safely?"

We all know, "UP is optional and Down is mandatory" and we should base our decisions on what feels "Safest" for ourselves.

Anyway, I'll update you in August.

Be Safe