Front Range (CO)
Overview
Southwest to Republican Mountain
Like its neighbor to the north, Columbia Mountain, Democrat Mountain is a very low prominence peak, mostly a bump on a ridge rising above Georgetown, Colorado, and Interstate 70. Nonetheless, this humble peak features a pleasant old Bristlecone Pine grove on its summit area and provides delightful views of the surrounding high country.
This peak is highly accessible in the winter and makes for a pleasant snowshoe. Democrat Mountain is extremely convenient to the Denver Metro area and provides a quick, uncomplicated alpine fix for those needing a break from hectic city life.
Rank: Unranked
Prominence: 40 feet
USGS Quad: Georgetown
Trails Illustrated Map: #104 (Idaho Springs, Georgetown)
Rank & Prominence Source: Lists of John
Getting There & Route Information
Getting There: Democrat Mountain sits two miles as the crow flies to the northwest of Georgetown, Colorado. It rises just about two miles due-west of I-70, accessible via Exit 232 to Hwy 40 through Empire.
Route Information: As SummitPost is a site based on collaboration, I challenge another member to collaborate and post a route to the summit of this peak. In this way, the content will be strengthened by the input of multiple members and a variety of perspectives.
Red Tape
Eastbound on the descent
Toward Mount Evans Wilderness
Visiting this area requires no usage or parking fees. There is a lot of private property, heavily oriented toward mine holdings, on the eastern slopes of the mountain. Accessing the mountain from the northeast via County Road 252 (Bard Creek Road) avoids most private property difficulties.
Dreaded I-70 eastbound traffic
Camping & Lodging
Snow trench toward Democrat Mountain
North from the summit area
Many visitors to Democrat Mountain will come for the day from the Denver Metro area and thus find lodging near the peak unnecessary.
Clear Lake Campground
The Clear Lake campground is just four miles from Georgetown, Colorado via County Road 381. It is a small campground at 10,000 feet elevation with only 8 sites and is open seasonally from late May through mid-September.
Georgetown
The community of Georgetown has a few lodging options, mostly of the simple, family-run variety. Visit the Trip Advisor Georgetown Page for more information on lodging in this town.
Idaho Springs
Like Georgetown, nearby Idaho Springs has a few simple, family-run lodging options. Visit the Trip Advisor Idaho Springs Page for more information on lodging in this town.
Weather & Seasons
Democrat Mountain is a year-round peak for most abilities. Avoid the steep eastern slopes in snow season due to avalanche danger. Otherwise, a winter visit makes for a nice ski or snowshoe. Autumn should bring nice, golden Aspen groves. Summer may be a bit too warm and dusty. A springtime visit may mean a lot of postholing through rotten, late-season snow.Images
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