Mount Bross, CO

Overview
Mount Bross (elevation of 14,172 feet and prominence of 292 feet) is a peak in the Colorado Rockies' Mosquito Range. It is generally hiked as part of the Decalibron Loop.


Warning
The entirety of this hike is above the treeline. Afternoon thunderstorms can pop up almost without warning during the summer hiking season, so it is best to start this hike early in the morning. Even with an early start, it is wise to check weather forecasts the day you are doing this hike.Note
Mount Bross is littered with old mining claims, and it is part of Colorado's rich mining legacy. Due to legal and liability issues surrounding the old mining claims on the summit, being on the summit is trespassing on private property. There is a sign near the trailhead stating that the summit is on private property, but there are no such signs along the trail to the summit.

History
Mount Bross is named for William Bross (1813-1889), who owned mining property in the area. Bross made an ascent of nearby Mount Lincoln in 1868. Legend has it, Bross was so exuberant about the summit views that he sang the Doxology with passion from the peak. As a result, local miners began calling Lincoln's south peak Mount Bross, and the name has endured.

Hike
There are five different routes to the summit of Mount Bross. This guide is only for the standard route up Mount Bross' west slope from the Kite Lake Trailhead.

From the trailhead, you'll go a short distance, and the trail splits: taking the left fork to the north goes toward Mount Democrat and Mount Cameron; taking a right goes east toward Mount Bross. Take the right fork to the east.

The trail is relatively flat for the first 1/4 or so. After that, the trail steepens and remains steep to the summit; much of the trail is on talus or scree that can be very slippery in places. The trail is mostly well-defined, but there might be a bit of route-finding in a few places.

The summit of Bross is wide-open and is at least the size of a football field. The summit is littered with old mining claims and hidden mine shafts, some of which are mere inches beneath the surface. Thus, it is advisable to avoid wandering around the summit.

If you wish to return directly to the trailhead, go back the way that you came. The descent will be steep and slippery, and trekking poles are recommended.

Note that few people do an up-and-back hike to Mount Bross only. Hikers generally either do a loop hike by including Mount Lincoln and Mount Cameron, or do the full Decalibron Loop by also including Mount Democrat.

2020-10-12 DixieFlyer