From the parking area, locate a trail that leaves the east side of the parking area just before the road continues over the drainage from Kite Lake -
1. Hike east over the basin and begin the ascent toward the gully that drains between Mt. Bross and "South Bross" -
2. Reach the base of the gully near 12,300' (
3) and easily cross to its south side -
4. Hike up through some steep rocks and turn right (southeast) up terrain south of the gully. Near 12,500' the trail turns back to the left to get closer to the gully. Continue along the south side of the gully (
5 and
6) to 13,100' where the trail turns left to the gully -
7 and
8. Turn left, cross the gully, and follow the trail northwest (hard left) toward the ridge on the north side of the gully. Climb 200' to reach the ridge crest at 13,300' -
9 and
10.
Follow trail segments up the ridge on rocky terrain -
11. Near 13,600', the terrain becomes less rocky (
12) and the trail a bit more defined. On your descent, care must be taken in this area because the gravel-covered trail can be slippery. Follow the trail as it climbs left around to the north side of the ridge (
13) where you can see the west side of Bross, and the broad summit. Continue to 14,000' and intersect the top of the "S" gully that comes up from the west -
14. Follow one of the trail sections across the gully and ascend a loose trail to reach the summit -
15 and
16.
West Slopes
(WINTER) HOLD ON! If you don't have much high-elevation, winter climbing experience, be careful in your planning and take a partner. All 14er routes are more difficult and more dangerous in winter.
