Most mountain climbers will insist that mountains and politics never mix well, but mountains are often embroiled in political issues. Colorado certainly has its share of such stories in abundance. Republican Mountain and Democrat Benchmark have their own political episode to tell. It is unclear why these two, small rocky perches were named Republican and Democrat (R & D), but the higher one being named Republican might have something to do with one of Colorado’s famous fourteeners being named Mount Democrat. A bill introduced in 2004 in the Colorado Legislature to rename the fourteener Republican Mountain failed.

Unlike other political epics involving such mountains as Colorado’s famous Mount of the Holy Cross, that go on for decades, R & D’s political wrangling stops there in definitive style, just as they mark the east end of a sub-range of mountains that include lofty thirteeners Bard and Parnassus peaks in the state’s impressive Front Range. The tiny, almost imperceptible perch of Democrat Benchmark can be seen from Interstate 70 if one is traveling west toward Georgetown at the exit for Highway 40 over Berthoud Pass and Empire. But you need to know where to look and what to look at. Slightly higher, Republican Mountain is more elusive, although the summit is briefly seen at the exit for Silver Plume, looking north with a craned neck. A small outcrop of rock directly above the tiny former mining town is indeed the summit, which is guarded by an incredibly steep mountainside dotted with rock escarpments and trees. The views from either point are surprisingly good for only being a little over 12,000 feet high.

R & D offer a chance at magnificent solitude for being so close to civilization. The hike to these points also offers a historical flavor, as the two routes utilize old mining roads that pass a number of abandoned mines, pits and shafts along the way. One route starts in charming Silver Plume, a little mountain hamlet no doubt proud of its heritage and the fact that it has made no attempts to modernize or keep up with the rest of the world, despite the interstate’s presence. Another route is accessed out of Empire and is a joyous romp through forest and offers a very good bet for solitude and discovery. The area is popular with hikers, four-wheelers and hunters, but depending on your timing, chances are good you’ll see no one else in this otherwise obscure area, mainly because R & D’s higher neighbors tend to get more attention. If you’re lucky, you’ll also be rewarded with glimpses of wildlife, which also tends to favor the area. Be on the lookout for bighorn sheep, mountain goats, deer and elk.

Looking west toward the Continental Divide from Republican-Democrat Benchmark's west slopes
Digital photo by Aaron Johnson

Whatever your political persuasion, R & D will certainly satisfy your outdoor fix with great beauty, solitude and astounding views. And for the time being, you can feel comfortable to set aside any political beliefs and just enjoy being in Colorado’s mountains on a great conditioning hike, preparing for bigger objectives to come. Or at the very least, you’ll be convinced to compromise in a bipartisan effort by visiting both points and enjoying what each has to offer.

Getting There

SILVER PLUME ROUTE:

From Denver, drive west on Interstate 70 past Georgetown to the Silver Plume exit (226), turn right and proceed into town. Limited parking can be found on Main Street. Do not park on Silver Street, which is little more than an alley that runs north from Main Street. This point is the beginning of your hike.

EMPIRE/NORTHEAST RIDGE ROUTE:

Driving west on Interstate 70, take the exit for Highway 40 and Empire. Once in Empire, proceed slowly to Main Street (Jenny's Restauraunt is on the southeast corner of the intersection). Turn left and follow the road, now Bard Creek Road, to Empire Pass. For further details, see the route page for this route (upper left hand column under "routes").

Red Tape

Parking may be limited at Main and Silver Streets. Avoid mine ruins and stay off of private property along the route.

Parking at Empire Pass is limited, and even moreso at the waypoint marking the startof the Northeast Ridge route, which requires a bit of 4WD to reach. Avoid mining shafts and pits encountered along the route (there's a bunch of them).

When to Climb & Mountain Conditions

Bard Peak as seen enroute to Republican Benchmark
Digital photo by Aaron Johnson

Both routes are good conditioners. Use your informed judgment before proceeding. Optimal time to climb is Summer or Fall for increased chances of success and safer stream crossings.

The Silver Plume route is a pleasant hike in the summer with steep, loose sections of Class 2 scrambling. Optional Class 3 scrambling is available on Republican's summit. The Northeast Ridge route is a routefinding bushwhack (Class 2), though not very difficult. Wind is a likely factor above timberline. Summit rocks may offer shelter during your visit. Thunderstorms in the area are common, so plan accordingly for this possibility.

The mining road makes a great snow shoe route, which ends at the 7:30 Mine (see Silver Plume Route Description, upper left hand column). Beyond, a snowshoe outing will be a considerable challenge due to side hilling and steep grades, but such an effort is not impossible. The road and route passes through known avalanche prone areas, so proceed with informed caution.

For snow shoeing, a mining road option is also available for the Northeast Ridge, but following the road is an 11 mile day and it's unlikely a snow shoe outing would make it to the summit, but the route is avy-safe all the way to timberline.

Empire Weather Conditions

Silver Plume Weather Conditions

Camping & Lodging

A high altitude camp is certainly possible in the area. Lodging is also available in nearby Georgetown and Empire.

External Links

Clifford Griffin Grave Marker

Silver Plume Community Website
Lodging possibilities; Food spots; services; shopping; activities; history

Georgetown

Georgetown Loop Railroad

Political Quagmires & History Brief

Other Colorado Peaks with Past or Current Political Conflicts

Pts. 13,832 & 12,811
These peaks were to be named after famous exploring mountaineers, but they are in wilderness areas and the naming was refused.

Mount Democrat
Currently under a quagmire of confusion concerning access and private mining claims.

Mount Lincoln
Currently under a quagmire of confusion concerning access and private mining claims.

Mount Cameron
Currently under a quagmire of confusion concerning access and private mining claims.

Mount Bross
Currently under a quagmire of confusion concerning access and private mining claims.

North Star Mountain
Access is also in question.

Culebra Peak
This fourteener has had a stormy history of ownership throughout Colorado's history and makes for an interesting read. The mountain is still privately owned and to climb it costs $100.

Red Mountain Number 1
A Texas developer owns much of the mountain and surrounding land. Plans for development have caused an ongoing controversy.

Holy Cross Wilderness
This area has been sought after for its water resources for years. An in depth report is here: Holy Cross Water: A Wilderness in Trouble

Mount Sneffels
The first mountain in Colorado to be placed under the controversial fee access system, and also the first mountain in Colorado to be removed from the system due to public outcry.

Clifford Griffin

English gentleman Clifford Griffin owned and operated the 7:30 mine above Silver Plume in the late 1800s during the gold and silver boom period of Colorado’s colorful history. The mine was located in Brown Gulch, northwest of town, and was named so for the starting time of the day shift. It is said Griffin was upset over the end of a romance and shot himself. It was his wish to be buried near his mine at a spot that overlooks the beautiful upper Clear Creek Valley (now occupied by the roar of the Interstate 70 highway). His father honored that desire and the site is marked with a substantial monolithic gravestone perched atop a great cliff.