Mount Democrat is a prominent mountain summit near Alma in Park County, Colorado. At an elevation of 14,148 feet, it is one of Colorado’s famous “fourteeners” (mountains over 14,000 feet in elevation). Mount Democrat offers stunning views and exciting hiking opportunities, making it a popular destination for outdoor enthusiasts.
Let’s explore some riddles and fun facts about this iconic Colorado peak!
Getting to Know Mount Democrat
Where is Mount Democrat located?
Mount Democrat is located in the Mosquito Range of the Rocky Mountains, about 6 miles northwest of Alma, Colorado. It sits within the Mount Lincoln Wilderness area in San Isabel National Forest.
What county is Mount Democrat in?
Mount Democrat is located in Park County, Colorado.
What is the elevation of Mount Democrat?
The summit elevation of Mount Democrat is 14,148 feet above sea level.
When was Mount Democrat first climbed?
The first recorded ascent of Mount Democrat was in 1873 by a prospecting party.
What is the easiest route up Mount Democrat?
The standard hiking route up Mount Democrat is the East Ridge Trail, which starts from Kite Lake and follows a Class 2 trail to the summit. This is considered the easiest route.
Mount Democrat Geography & Geology
What mountain range is Mount Democrat part of?
Mount Democrat is part of the Mosquito Range, which is a subrange of the Rocky Mountains in central Colorado.
What river did the glacier on Mount Democrat form?
The glacier that once covered Mount Democrat carved out the valley that now holds the South Platte River.
What types of rocks make up Mount Democrat?
Mount Democrat is primarily composed of Precambrian igneous and metamorphic rocks, including granite, gneiss, and schist.
What wildlife lives on Mount Democrat?
Wildlife commonly seen on Mount Democrat includes bighorn sheep, pika, marmot, ptarmigan, and yellow-bellied marmot. Deer, elk, bear, and mountain goats may also be spotted.
Which side of Mount Democrat has the biggest sheer cliffs?
The east face of Mount Democrat holds the mountain’s largest and most sheer cliffs.
Hiking Mount Democrat
How long does it take to hike to the summit of Mount Democrat?
The standard East Ridge Trail route is about 7 miles round trip with around 3,300 feet of elevation gain. Most hikers take 3-5 hours to reach the summit.
What is the hardest part of hiking Mount Democrat?
The steep scrambling section near the end of the East Ridge Trail just before reaching the summit is considered the most challenging part of the hike by most.
What is the easiest trail to the top of Mount Democrat?
The Class 2 East Ridge Trail starting from Kite Lake is regarded as the easiest standard route up Mount Democrat.
Can you hike Mount Democrat year-round?
No, the mountain’s high elevation means the hiking trails are usually only open from late June through early October.
What is one hazard hikers need to watch out for on Mount Democrat?
Lightning is a serious hazard to be aware of when hiking Mount Democrat in the summer. Early starts are best to minimize afternoon lightning risk.
Mount Democrat History & Culture
Who was Mount Democrat named after?
Mount Democrat was named after the Democratic Party, not an individual person.
What Native American tribes lived near Mount Democrat?
Mount Democrat was roamed by the Ute people for hundreds of years before settlers of European descent arrived in the 1800s.
Was there once a town near Mount Democrat?
Yes, the mining town of Winfield was located near the base of Mount Democrat in the late 1800s until it became a ghost town in the early 1900s.
Did Mount Democrat used to have a different name?
Yes, Mount Democrat was originally known as Snow Peak until it received its current name in the 1870s.
Has Mount Democrat ever erupted as a volcano?
No, Mount Democrat is not a volcano and has never erupted. It is an extinct volcanic plug formed millions of years ago.
Mount Democrat Wildlife
What is Colorado’s state mammal that lives on Mount Democrat?
The Rocky Mountain bighorn sheep, Colorado’s official state mammal, inhabits the rocky slopes of Mount Democrat.
What type of bird has yellow feathers and lives year-round on Mount Democrat?
Yellow-bellied marmots live on Mount Democrat year-round. They have yellow fur on their underside.
What animal that lives on Mount Democrat whistles to warn others of danger?
Pikas, small rabbit-like mammals, are known for their high-pitched alarm whistles that warn of lurking predators.
What black-and-white bird blends in well with the rocks on Mount Democrat?
White-tailed ptarmigans camouflage remarkably well among Mount Democrat’s rocks with their mottled black, white, and grey plumage.
What rodent residing on Mount Democrat digs burrows and hibernates much of the year?
Marmots, large ground squirrels, dig burrows on Mount Democrat’s slopes and hibernate through harsh winters.
Visiting Mount Democrat
Does Mount Democrat have a visitor center?
No, there is no visitor center or facilities for hikers at the Mount Democrat trailhead.
Do you need a permit to climb Mount Democrat?
No permit is required to hike and summit Mount Democrat via the standard hiking routes.
Can you drive to the top of Mount Democrat?
No, there are no drivable roads to the summit of Mount Democrat. Hiking is required to access the top.
What is the closest town to Mount Democrat?
Alma, Colorado is the closest town. The tiny mining town is located 6 miles southeast of the mountain.
Does Mount Democrat have camping nearby?
Yes, there are a few designated backpack camping areas in the vicinity, including near Kite Lake, accessible after hiking in.
Mount Democrat Safety
Why do hikers starting early help with safety on Mount Democrat?
Early morning starts allow hikers to summit Mount Democrat and descend before afternoon thunderstorms build up.
What are two essential items hikers should carry on Mount Democrat?
Two vital safety items to pack are plenty of water and light/warm layers for the summit due to the high elevation.
Why should you watch footing carefully when hiking Mount Democrat?
Careful footing is key on Mount Democrat due to loose rocks, steep sections, and high altitude inducing dizziness.
What hazard requires turning around if seen on the trail up Mount Democrat?
Lightning flashing nearby means hikers must turn around immediately to avoid being struck.
Why does the altitude impact hikers negatively on Mount Democrat?
Thinner air at over 14,000 feet causes altitude sickness in some, decreasing energy levels and physical ability.
Interesting Facts About Mount Democrat
How long is the Mount Democrat massif?
The Mount Democrat massif, containing Mount Democrat, Mount Bross and Mount Lincoln, measures around 5 miles long.
What ghost town used to exist near Mount Democrat over 100 years ago?
The abandoned mining town of Winfield was located at the base until becoming a ghost town in the early 1900s.
What significant weather event happened on Mount Democrat in 1920?
In 1920, Mount Democrat experienced the lowest recorded temperature in Colorado history at -61° Fahrenheit.
True or False: Mount Democrat has a paved road leading all the way to the summit.
False. There are no paved roads providing driving access to Mount Democrat’s summit.
Which animal that no longer lives on Mount Democrat went extinct in Colorado in 1979?
The last known wild boreal toad in Colorado died on Mount Democrat in 1979, causing the species’ extinction in the state.
Conclusion
Mount Democrat stands as one of Colorado’s most iconic and challenging “fourteeners”. Conquering the peak involves steep terrain, high elevation, and sweeping scenic views. This mountain also has a rich human history intertwined with Native Americans, miners, and early explorers. The riddles and facts explored above provide a glimpse into this remarkable peak. Challenge yourself on the slopes of Mount Democrat to discover its beauty and secrets!
