Hiking Mount Cameron – One of Colorado’s Unofficial 14ers

Mount Cameron is an CO 14er on the unofficial list. The summit rises above 14,000 feet making it one of the CO 58. Cameron is often hiked during a loop hike known as the Decalibron, that is combined with Mount Bross, Mount Lincoln, and Mount Democrat.

Height – 14,238 feet (4,353.46 m)
Distance – 4.6 miles round trip (7.4 km)
Elevation gain – 2,208 feet (673.0 m)
Duration – 2 to 4 hours (book time)
Difficulty – Intermediate
Hike Class: Class 2
Seasons – Year-round (caution and experience needed in winter – see below)
Trailhead Location – Kite Lake – 12,030 feet (directions below)

 

***IMPORTANT NOTE***

– The summit of Mount Bross and Mount Lincoln closed to the public. Read about this here: https://www.14ers.org/peaks/mosquito-range/mount-bross/

 

Trail Map

Trails

 

KITE LAKE TRAIL TOWARDS MOUNT CAMERON: 4.6 MILES ROUND TRIP | 2,208 FEET ELEVATION GAIN

This is the most common route to the summit of Cameron. Most hikers do not just do this out and back. They summit all of the mountains as a loop. To read more about that, check out our post on the Decalibron.

 

KITE LAKE TO MOUNT BROSS: 6.2 MILES ROUND TRIP | 2,548 FEET ELEVATION GAIN

This route begins at the same starting location, but hikers will head up towards Mount Bross first. This trail begins relatively flat before hitting the rock/scree fields below Mount Bross. Quickly, this route gets very steep with lots of loose rock and gravel. Extra caution should be taken on this path due to the trail conditions and loose rock. Once hikers ascend to above the steep grade, the hike over to the Mount Lincoln and Mount Cameron split is relatively simple. Hikers are urged to stay on trail due to the dangers of old mines, as well as private property concerns. The summit of Mount Bross is currently considered closed due to private property reasons.

 

Hiking in Winter

Mount Cameron can be hiked in winter months. Caution should be taken due to Avalanche risks. Hikers should be fully prepared and experienced winter hikers.

 

Camping Information

There are 5 tent sites available at the Kite Lake Campground. It also features toilets, parking at  trailhead, and picnic tables. No water is available. The camping fee is $12. Information on camping can be found here. Kite lake is frequently fished.

 

Current Weather Conditions

Here is a detailed forecast for the next 4 days:

Alma, CO

Overnight
A chance of snow showers and a chance of thunderstorms. Mostly cloudy, with a low around 24. West wind 5 to 10 mph. Chance of precipitation is 40%. New snow accumulation of less than one inch possible.

Friday
A chance of snow showers before 9am, then snow showers and a chance of thunderstorms. Mostly cloudy, with a high near 35. West southwest wind 10 to 15 mph. Chance of precipitation is 80%. New snow accumulation of 1 to 3 inches possible.

Friday Night
Snow showers likely and a chance of thunderstorms. Mostly cloudy, with a low around 26. West northwest wind 10 to 15 mph. Chance of precipitation is 60%. New snow accumulation of less than one inch possible.

Saturday
Snow showers likely before 9am, then snow showers and thunderstorms likely. Mostly cloudy, with a high near 35. North northeast wind around 10 mph. Chance of precipitation is 100%. New snow accumulation of 3 to 5 inches possible.

Saturday Night
Snow showers likely and thunderstorms likely before midnight. Mostly cloudy, with a low around 26. Northeast wind 5 to 10 mph. Chance of precipitation is 60%. New snow accumulation of less than one inch possible.

Sunday
A chance of snow showers before 9am, then snow showers and a chance of thunderstorms. Mostly cloudy, with a high near 39. East wind around 10 mph. Chance of precipitation is 90%. New snow accumulation of less than half an inch possible.

Sunday Night
Snow showers likely and a slight chance of thunderstorms before midnight. Mostly cloudy, with a low around 28. East northeast wind around 15 mph. Chance of precipitation is 60%. New snow accumulation of less than half an inch possible.

 

Directions & Parking

Parking at the trailhead is $3 per day and done via self service.

The road to the trailhead starts in Alma, and one can reach there by taking one of the following routes:

• Colorado 9 to Alma
• Highway 285 to Fair play and then Highway 9 to Alma
• Highway 9 exit (exit 203) off of the I-70 via Breckenridge

As soon as you reach Alma, look for a sign for the road to Kite Lake. The sign is located in the middle of the town on the west side of the road. You will have to cross some residential area after this sign. As your vehicle gets closer to Kite Lake, the road conditions worsen, and the last mile is the worst. A good vehicle with wide clearance will, however, make it simple for you. 4WD recommended. If you don’t have a capable vehicle, you may see yourself adding mileage by having to park far down the road.

 

Additional Pictures