Trekking the Decalibron Loop Trail: Climbing Three 14ers in a Single Adventure
"Hiking the Decalibron Loop: A Trek to Three 14ers Near Alma, Colorado"
The Decalibron Loop is a fairly popular hike, situated about 20 minutes from Breckenridge, Colorado, and a 2-hour drive from both Denver and Colorado Springs. A perfect destination for adventurers seeking to summit 14ers, the loop boasts three peaks soaring above 14,000 feet—an exciting challenge for enthusiasts!
The name Decalibron is a slang term that combines the names of the four summiting peaks in the loop: Mounts Democrat, Cameron, Lincoln, and the unusual inclusion of Brass (preceded by the ending of 'marathon'). Notably, it's only a stone's throw away from the increasingly well-known Quandary Peak, which is typically considered a great 'easy' 14er for beginners.
Quandary Peak's draw is understandable, but why stop at one 14er when the Decalibron Loop offers a chance to take on three? The total distance for both hikes is quite comparable, and our personal findings suggest that the Decalibron Loop could potentially be the easier choice of the two! However, there's one notable exception: at present, Mount Bross is closed to the public due to private land disputes and past hikers' irresponsible actions. Denoted by clear signs, there's a bypass route around Mount Bross that hikers must take. Although it may be disappointing to miss out on the full-quad 14er experience, summiting three still offers a challenging and rewarding hiking experience.
Remember, until further notice, do not attempt to summit Mount Bross to respect private property and preserve the trail from potential closure!
Trail Specs
Distance: 7 miles round-tripRoute Type: loopDifficulty: strenuousHighlights: three 14ers, breathtaking mountain vistas
Directions to the Trailhead
From Breckenridge, head south on Highway 9 towards Hoosier Pass. After traversing the pass and arriving in Alma, take a right turn onto Buckskin Street/County Road 8 and continue for about 5.5 miles. Parking is available near the trailhead, though larger 4x4 vehicles are recommended to access the lot due to its uneven terrain. There is a parking fee at this location, enforced by rangers, so be sure to pay andDisplay your receipt in your vehicle. Overnight camping is available in limited, first-come-first-serve sites near the trailhead.
The Hike
The trailhead is located on the northeast corner of the parking lot, clearly marked with a display board. Proceed to the right of the sign and follow the trail across Kite Lake, an enchanting alpine lake situated at the trailhead and campground. Once you reach the trail split (approximately 0.5 mi), make a decision to hike either clockwise (to the left) or counter-clockwise (to the right). While personal preference largely influences your choice, clockwise offers an easier descent from Bross, which features steep, rocky slopes surpassing 60% grade at points.
Mount Democrat
Follow the trail clockwise to reach Mount Democrat with an elevation of 14,155 feet. As the ascent is demanding, switchbacks make the journey more manageable and pass quickly. From the saddle between Democrat and Cameron (approx. 13,380 ft), turn left to continue the ascent to Democrat. Refrain from being seduced by false summits, as you'll soon find the true summit! The relatively quick ascent, coupled with the trail's high starting elevation (approximately 12,000 feet), make Mt. Democrat an appealing choice for 'easy' 14er beginners.
Mount Cameron
After reconnecting with the trail at the saddle between Democrat and Cameron, press on toMount Cameron, which stands at 14,238 feet. The ascent is rockier than many other sections of the loop with fewer switchbacks, offering a bit more of a challenge. Like Democrat, there are false summits to navigate, but persevere, and you'll eventually conquer the real summit! From Cameron, continue the descent into the saddle between Cameron and Lincoln.
Mount Lincoln
Continue along the trail and immediately see Mount Lincoln in the distance. The path across this saddle is less rugged than the ascent from Cameron and offers dramatic views of the surrounding terrain, making it feel as if you're on Mars. After reaching Lincoln's summit, take in the breathtaking panorama: gaze at the neighboring Wheeler Lake, hoosier Pass below, and endless peaks in the distance, including Quandary Peak. This breathtaking vista makes Mount Lincoln our personal favorite summit of the three!
As you descend Mount Lincoln, keep in mind that ascending hikers have the right of way, and be aware of your surroundings to ensure a safe meeting. Once you've passed the exposed portion of the trail, the landscape opens up again, and you'll continue to descend to the Mount Bross Bypass.
Bross Bypass
At the trail split, take the left path to the Bross bypass. This trail displays some of the loop's unique flora, featuring tiny alpine plants that seem otherworldly. Follow the bypass's signs, which will lead you to a steep, challenging descent. Once you've successfully conquered this difficult section, the trail flattens out, and you'll complete the Decalibron Loop after summiting three 14ers!
The Verdict
The Decalibron Loop offers a thrilling opportunity to summit multiple 14ers in a single hike. We found the varying elevation changes made the experience more enjoyable than traditional ascending-and-descending 14er hikes. Admittedly, we were disappointed by the Mount Bross closure, as well as the steep, challenging descent from Bross. Yet, the breathtaking views and overall experience of the Decalibron Loop earned our recommendation over other, similar local 14ers like Quandary and Huron.
For more hiking recommendations in the Breckenridge area, consult our article on the best Breckenridge hiking trails. Happy adventuring!
Don't forget to pin this guide for future reference on Pinterest!
The Decalibron Loop presents an exhilarating chance for sports enthusiasts to hike and summit three 14ers in a single adventure. As you ascend Mount Democrat, Cameron, and Lincoln, marvel at the breathtaking mountain trails and panoramic views of the surrounding terrain. Though the Decalibron Loop's steep descent from Mount Bross can be a challenge, the thrill of conquering three peaks makes it an unforgettable hiking experience worth pursuing.
