South Gully

Overview

The South Gully of Mount Bross is a snow route. It climbs a long, winding gully on the south side of the peak, below the saddle with Mount Cameron. The angle is gentle for most of the way, so it is a good first snow climb. Many people also ski or ride it down.

It is best done in winter or spring while the gully is full of snow. You cannot see the gully from Kite Lake, so it helps to know where it starts. Just below the top, near 14,000 feet, the route joins the standard Kite Lake loop trail.

The summit of Bross has been officially closed since 2007 because private landowners have not granted public access. Check the current access status before you go and respect it. Plan on 6 to 9 hours, depending on how high you can drive.

Plan of the day

Getting to the trailhead

Take Colorado 9 into Alma. In the center of town, watch for a small Kite Lake road sign on the highway's west side. Turn there, pass through a few homes and follow the road about 6 miles to Kite Lake. In summer, a sturdy 2WD car with good clearance can usually reach close to the lot. There is a fee to park.

In winter and spring the road is often closed near the old Paris Mill. You then walk, snowshoe or skin up the road to Kite Lake. How far you walk depends on how much the road has melted out.

Next: the route, step by step →

The route

1. 1

   Road closure (winter start) 11,000' · 0 mi

   Start where the road is blocked by snow. Walk, snowshoe or skin up the road toward Kite Lake.

   Watch for: The walk to Kite Lake adds a few miles each way. Start early.

2. 2

   Kite Lake trailhead 12,000' · 2.25 mi

   From the summer trailhead, go right. Drop into a shallow gully and take it north-northeast in the direction of Mount Cameron.

3. 3

   Shallow gully 12,200' · 2.5 mi

   Stay in the gentle gully as it climbs into the basin. The south gully itself is still hidden.

4. 4

   Open basin 12,500' · 3 mi

   Around 12,500 feet you reach a big open area. Mount Cameron is ahead and Mount Democrat is behind you to the left. Continue east.

   Watch for: Look at the slopes above you for signs of recent avalanches or wind loading.

5. 5

   Base of the South Gully 12,800' · 3.4 mi

   Reach the bottom of the gully near 12,800 feet. Put on crampons if the snow is firm.

6. 6

   Middle of the gully 13,400' · 3.8 mi

   Climb the gentle, winding gully. The angle stays moderate. Look back for good views of Mount Democrat.

7. 7

   Gully bends right 13,800' · 4.2 mi

   Near 13,800 feet, the gully steepens and bends to the right. Kick good steps and keep your ice axe ready.

   Watch for: This is the steepest part. A slip here could slide a long way on hard snow.

8. 8

   Standard loop trail 14,000' · 4.5 mi

   The snow usually ends between 13,700 and 14,000 feet. Near 14,000 feet you meet the Kite Lake loop trail.

   Watch for: Past this point the land is private. Continue only with permission.

9. 9

   Summit of Mount Bross 14,178' · 4.75 mi

   The broad summit area is reached by an unofficial path. It is currently closed to the public, so only go on if access has been granted.

Getting down

Go back down the South Gully. Many people ski or ride it. On foot, face out on the gentle parts and face in on the steep upper bend if the snow is hard. From the bottom, retrace your line back through the basin to Kite Lake and down the road.

If things go wrong

At any point you can turn and descend the gully and basin the way you came. If the snow is getting soft, wet or unstable, go down right away. If weather closes in, head back to Kite Lake before visibility drops. In an emergency, call 911 if you have signal.

Other routes

Every way up Mount Bross we list, with its class.

• West SlopesClass 2 3.25 mi
• East SlopesClass 1 9 mi
• Dolly Varden GullyClass 2 4 mi
• South Gully this routeClass 2 9.5 mi
• DecalibronClass 2 7.5 mi