Geocaches have existed for some time on or near the summits of Mount Democrat (14,148 feet), Mount Cameron (14,238 feet), Mount Lincoln (14,286 feet), and Mount Bross (14,172 feet). A loop trail that begins and ends at Kite Lake takes you to this series of peaks. It’s known as the DECALIBRON, and has become very popular amongst peak baggers. With five extant caches along the route prior to this publication date, the DECALIBRON loop is becoming more and more popular with alpine cache-finders, too.
A point south of Mount Bross has an unofficial name of “South Bross”. It is located on USFS land. It’s elevation is 14,020 feet; because there is no saddle between it and Bross that has a rise greater than 300 feet to either summit, “South Bross” does not have a ranking among Colorado Peaks. Nonetheless, it’s a nice position, and offers a superb view of Mount Democrat and Mount Buckskin (a Centennial Peak) to the south of Democrat. So extend your DECALIBRON loop hike over to “South Bross” and discover a sixth cache. It’s placed just west of the summit rocks of “South Bross”. Locate the patch of alpine vegetation of several square feet in size, and look under the rocks directly west of this isolated vegetation to locate your treasure–a camoed pill bottle containing a log sheet. You need to bring your own writing device.
Be prepared for a long day of hiking if you choose to make the entire loop plus this extension. You will hike more than 8 miles, and will cumulatively gain about 3,600 feet of elevation. But what you see, what you find, and the memories you will recall from this loop hike plus its extension will make the effort meaningful and worth while to you! Be certain to take a day pack with extra clothing, food, and water.