Mount Democrat: Not A Walk in the Park

Mount Democrat is located in Colorado's Mosquito Mountain Range. 

It's one of Colorado's many "14ers" meaning that it's elevation is 14,000 plus feet. 

This was my third time climbing a mountain so I was excited for the challenge. 

Part 1: It's EARLY!

We left bright and early around 5:45 and arrived at the trail head at 6:30. It's best to start as early as possible because of how fast clouds and weather can build up. You don't want to be on top of a mountain in a bad storm! We also made sure we had plenty of water, warm hats, gloves and coats as well as plenty of snacks such as apples, bananas, pb and j sandwiches and granola bars. 

Here's Jesse making some pb and j sandwiches for the hike!

The challenge at hand!

Part 2: The Start and Below Tree Line!

Here is the start of the trail, as you can see it has been a cold summer so apparently this is what it should have looked like around May. With this being umm... July, this added a new challenge of having to hike through some deep snow. Thank goodness for my waterproof boots!

 First stop: Snack time and Flowers! The forget-me-not flower is such a beautiful wild flower here in Colorado. As you can see it's super tiny too!

This was our first snack break. Jesse and my father in law enjoyed some fruit and I enjoyed my granola bar. Even though I wasn't quite hungry, I knew I needed some carbs and protein for some extra energy. 

Here is also a look back from where we started. You can also see Kite Lake (named after its shape). It's still pretty much still frozen too, ha!

Part 3: Snow and the Start of the Rocks

This is when it started to get more technical. We weren't just hiking up a dirt trail anymore. Instead we had to trudge through foot and knee deep snow and a brief amount of three point climbing up steep rocks. Three point climbing means using your hands AND feet.  

I was just thinking to myself...how in the world are we going to get down this snow faced side.... we ended up having to slide down on our behinds and basically "ski" down. 

 Second stop:  We needed a small rest break. We also took some time to enjoy the views and the sun breaking over the mountain side. I was really starting to feel the lack of oxygen here too. Its crazy how you hike a few 100 feet and your heart is just racing and you are breathing as if you had just sprinted a mile. 

 Part 4: Getting higher

 We had to jump over some snow run off about three times throughout our hike. I really didnt like doing this. I had my cellphone, camera and ipod in my pocket so I REALLY didnt want fall in, ha! 

At the end of our day on the LAST water section  we had to cross I ended up falling in when the snow pack broke from underneath me. VERY SCARY! Don't worry though, my gadgets were okay. It ended up not being that deep either. My leg got pretty soaked though and I about had a heart attack. 

Here is a view of the trail, thankfully we got a small break from climbing up rocks. We also stopped to get our breath back. 

Part 5: In the Saddle

 Now we are about 2/3rds of the way up. It's starting to get windy, colder and more rocky so our hats and gloves became even more essential. The saddle is where we stopped for our lunch break before the trek to the top. This is also where you can start the hike up to Mt. Cameron, Mt. Lincoln and Mt. Bross. 

It's a great way to summit several mountains in one day but you have to start a lot earlier and of course be in that mind-set of doing several summits. This was not in the cards for us today but that was okay with me!

The views were beautiful but it reminded me of how high we were actually getting. As you can see there are more rocks and snow and not so much green anymore. 

The trail up to Mt. Cameron

Almost there!!

 Part 6: Some serious climbing!

 More three point climbing!

This was the section that was the most challenging for me mentally and physically. Not only was it harder to breath but there was a steep drop off the face of the mountain. Rocks can be slippery especially when there are several smaller rocks together. You have to be careful where you put your hands and  feet. Jesse had to keep reminding me to lean into the mountain in case I fell or started to slide. 

We also encountered more snow patches. This particular one I had to punch holes into the snow with my hands and feet in order to keep from sliding down. This also gave myself enough traction to get up the section. 

Part 7: The Summit!

After a false peak (sorry Jesse) and a water break, we finally got a view of the top!

We had to trudge through another snow pack, luckily it wasn't as deep as the others.

 The views were spectacular. The snow covered mountains were so beautiful!

I was so excited to finally reach the top so I decided to run up to the summit!

Finally there after 3 1/2 hours of climbing!!!

Part 8: On top of the world 

It's cold and windy when you get to the top so normally there is only time for a few pictures and a quick snack. I also enjoy calling my parents after I summit. I love telling them I'm on top of a mountain, ha!

It's also crazy how fast the clouds move up here. Weather can move in fast!

 View back towards town

 The "official" top

So proud of us!!

Part 9: Back Down We Go

The decent took about 2 hours. 5 1/2 hours of total hiking. The hike down has its own challenges but goes a lot faster. You really feel it in your quads going downhill. Mine were actually shaking at one point. We also had to maneuver over those rocks and snow again. I prefer sliding down snow than climbing up it. That part was actually kind of fun! Although a wet butt is not, ha!

Here is some weather rolling in on our way down. I told you it moves in fast!

It was such a great morning and I really enjoyed the challenge and hiking the mountain with my husband and father in law. Mountains really make you stop and think about life and yourself. They have a funny way of breaking you down and then building you back up!

Till Next Time!

Laura