Afternoon storm risk is the line that matters. Everything else is comfort. In summer, plan to be off the ridge before the build-up starts, not as it starts. Forecast for the summit point, adjusted for its elevation · data from Open-Meteo.
Centennial 13er · Northeast Slope
Overview
Mount Buckskin is a quiet 13er just south of Mount Democrat, above Kite Lake near Alma. While crowds stream up the trail to the Decalibron 14ers, this peak sees few visitors. The route leaves the Lake Emma trail after a few minutes, crosses Buckskin Creek, and climbs straight up the northeast slopes to the summit ridge. The round trip is only about 3 miles, but it gains about 1,950 feet, so it is short and steep.
There is no trail for most of the climb. The lower slope is grass with a few small gullies and rock outcrops; higher up it turns to talus and scree. There is no exposure. The one trick is that Buckskin has two summits, and the true high point is the southeast one.
This is a good half-day peak, or a first off-trail climb for families with some hiking under their belt. Most parties take 3 to 4 hours. Because you start at 12,000 feet, the whole hike is at high altitude and in the open.
Plan of the day
Start by
By 7 a.m. The hike is short, but it starts above treeline and the whole route is exposed to afternoon storms.
Turnaround
If you are not on the summit ridge by 11 a.m., or storms are building over Democrat, turn back.
Crux
The steep, loose talus and scree on the upper northeast slopes. It is tiring but not hard.
Route-finding
Easy in clear weather. The main mistakes are leaving the Lake Emma trail too early or late, and stopping on the lower northwest summit. The true summit is to the southeast along the ridge.
Water
Kite Lake and Buckskin Creek are near the start. There is no water on the slopes. Filter anything from the creek; there is old mining activity in this area.
From Fairplay, drive north on Highway 9 to Alma. In the center of town, turn west onto County Road 8 (Kite Lake Road). It is across from Buckskin Street, just north of the general store. Do not take County Road 10 at the south end of town, which is a common mistake.
County Road 8 is graded gravel. It curves below the south side of Mount Bross and turns north to the Kite Lake parking area, which has a vault toilet and charges a parking fee. The last mile is rough for low cars; a crossover or higher vehicle is better. Some people park below the switchbacks about half a mile below the lake and walk up. This lot is very busy on summer weekends because of the 14ers, so arrive early. The road passes private homes and mining claims, so do not camp along it.
TundraOff-trail, no set pathRidgeTalus and screeExposed to lightning
The line is elevation, the band underneath is the ground, and the numbered dots match the steps below. Mileage and elevations are approximate.
1
Kite Lake trailhead 12,020' · 0 mi
Start at the Kite Lake parking area. Take the trail west toward Lake Emma, the same one used for Democrat. Mount Buckskin is the peak up and to your left (south).
2
Lake Emma trail 12,200' · 0.3 mi
Walk the trail for no more than about 0.4 miles. The crowds heading for Democrat keep going; you will leave them here.
3
Leave the trail 12,280' · 0.4 mi
Somewhere between 12,200 and 12,300 feet, turn left (south) off the trail and drop down to Buckskin Creek.
Watch for: Leave the trail before it turns north toward Lake Emma.
4
Buckskin Creek 12,250' · 0.45 mi
Cross the creek. Pick a spot that keeps you out of the willows as much as you can.
Watch for: Wet and slippery rocks at the creek.
5
Lower northeast slopes 12,500' · 0.6 mi
Start up the grassy slope to the south. There are some small gullies and rock outcrops. The easiest way through them is to the left.
6
Utility lines 12,700' · 0.75 mi
Pass under the utility lines that cross the slope. Keep heading uphill toward the summit ridge.
7
Grass to talus 13,000' · 0.95 mi
You may drift toward a fairly clear ridge to the east, but you do not need to go that far. Just pick the easiest ground toward the summit ridge. The grass gives way to a mix of talus and scree.
8
Upper slopes 13,400' · 1.2 mi
Keep climbing on loose talus and scree. The grade is steep and the footing shifts. Take short steps and rest often.
Watch for: Loose rock; keep your group side by side, not stacked in a line.
9
Summit ridge 13,750' · 1.4 mi
Reach the summit ridge. Buckskin has two tops. The northwest one sits on the ridge toward Democrat and Tweto. Turn left (southeast) toward the true, higher summit.
Watch for: Do not stop at the lower northwest summit.
10
Mount Buckskin summit 13,871' · 1.5 mi
Walk the crest to the high point. The Decalibron 14ers tower over you to the north and east, and you can see down to Kite Lake.
Landmarks to know
Kite Lake and its busy parking lot.
The Lake Emma trail heading west from the lot.
Buckskin Creek, crossed about 0.4 miles in.
Small rock outcrops and gullies low on the northeast slopes.
Utility lines crossing the slope.
Two summits on the ridge; the true top is the southeast one.
Getting down
Return the way you came. Walk back along the ridge to where you came up, then head down the northeast slopes. Aim for the creek and the Lake Emma trail, with Kite Lake in view below.
The upper talus and scree are loose and easy to slip on going down, so take your time. Lower down, stay to the right (east) side of the small outcrops and gullies to avoid getting cliffed out. Cross Buckskin Creek where you did on the way up and rejoin the trail to the lot.
If things go wrong
Kite Lake is in view the whole way, so the way off is always straight back down the slopes you came up. If a storm moves in, drop off the ridge right away and head down the grass toward the creek and trail. Do not try to cross over to Democrat. The busy trail below usually has other people on it if you need help. If someone is hurt, keep them warm and call 911.
3D flyover
No 3D flyover for this peak
The route leaves the Lake Emma trail after 0.4 miles. The last 1.1 miles cross the creek and climb open slopes and talus with no set trail. A flyover only works when there is a set trail to trace. Without one, the line would be a guess, and a guess could send you the wrong way on the mountain. Use the step-by-step route with a good map and GPS track instead.
See the trail on video
A climb of this route filmed by Nick Sangetta. The video belongs to them and only plays when you press play.
Jump to
Other routes
Every way up Mount Buckskin we list, with its class.
This describes the route on a dry summer day. Snow, ice, a washed-out road or an afternoon storm can make it a very different climb. Check recent conditions the week you go and turn around when the day tells you to.