Sunrise on the DeCaLiBron: A 4-Summit Adventure

August 23, 2024 - #7-10/58

Class 2

There’s something about tackling multiple 14ers in one day that just feels epic, and the DeCaLiBron Loop delivers on every level. With four peaks—Mt. Democrat, Mt. Cameron, Mt. Lincoln, and Mt. Bross—this hike packs in the adventure, and it all started with a 4am arrival at the trailhead.

As brutal as it was to wake up that early, it was 100% worth it to catch the sunrise from the top. Watching the first light hit the mountains and spread across the surrounding valleys was pure magic, and honestly, it made the early start feel like a small price to pay.

Opting for the CCW Route: Up Bross First

We decided to tackle the loop counterclockwise, starting with Mt. Bross. Some people go clockwise, starting with Democrat, but going up Bross first felt like the right call. The trail up Bross has some steep sections near the top, especially with the scree-covered slopes that require a little extra care. I’m not gonna lie—getting through that loose rock was a bit of a grind, but knowing we’d knock out the toughest part early in the day made it easier to push through.

By the time we reached the summit of Mt. Bross, the sky was starting to change colors, and we were perfectly positioned for an incredible sunrise. Standing there, watching the sun rise over the mountains and light up the landscape, was one of those moments that makes you stop and take it all in. You can’t beat a sunrise on a 14er.

A Stroll to Lincoln and Cameron

After Bross, the walk over to Mt. Lincoln and then Mt. Cameron felt like a walk in the park. The route between these two peaks is relatively gentle compared to the initial ascent up Bross. It was a welcome change of pace, and it gave us a chance to really soak in the scenery without feeling like we were struggling for every step. The trail was smooth, and the views were fantastic—rolling ridgelines, distant peaks, and wide-open skies.

Lincoln, in particular, stood out with some of the best views of the day. The summit gives you an incredible vantage point to see the surrounding ranges, and the weather couldn’t have been better. It was one of those moments where the effort of the hike just melts away, and all that’s left is pure appreciation for where you are.

The Saddle and the Final Push to Democrat

After cruising through Cameron, we hit the saddle leading over to Mt. Democrat. This section was the toughest part of the day. The descent down from Cameron was steep, and by the time we started climbing back up to Democrat, the exhaustion was starting to set in. It felt like every step was heavier than the last, but knowing this was the final peak of the loop kept us motivated. Plus, we knew the views from the top would be worth it.

Once we reached the summit of Mt. Democrat, the exhaustion was instantly replaced by that unbeatable sense of accomplishment. Standing on top of the fourth and final peak of the DeCaLiBron, I felt like I could see forever. The views from Democrat were absolutely stunning—massive, jagged peaks stretching in every direction, and the valleys below looked like something out of a postcard.

The Best Views of the Day

Between Lincoln and Democrat, it’s hard to say which had the better views, but both stood out as the highlights of the hike. Lincoln had that wide, expansive feel, while Democrat offered the perfect reward for finishing off the loop. Either way, both summits delivered exactly what you hope for in a 14er adventure—breathtaking scenery and a sense of awe that sticks with you long after the hike is over.

Wrapping it Up

By the time we made our way back down to the trailhead, we were exhausted, but it was the kind of exhaustion that feels good—the kind that comes from a long day of adventure and four summits under your belt. The DeCaLiBron Loop may be a challenge, but the rewards are endless: four 14ers, unbeatable views, and the satisfaction of knowing you tackled one of Colorado’s classic routes.

If you’re considering this loop, do yourself a favor and aim for a sunrise start. It’ll make the early wake-up call worth it—and give you a memory you won’t forget.

Until next time, happy hiking!