Mount Lincoln
14,293 feet
Stand on the highest point of the Mosquito Range and pass over Mount Cameron on the way
Why Mount Lincoln?
Mount Lincoln is the highest peak in the Mosquito Range at 14,293 feet. The standard route from Kite Lake follows the Democrat trail to the Democrat-Cameron saddle, climbs the west ridge of Mount Cameron, and then crosses a short saddle to Lincoln. 14ers.com rates it Class 2, with 2,600 feet of gain over 6 miles round trip. Mount Cameron is a 14,248-foot point that you walk right over on the way. It sits above 14,000 feet, but it rises less than 300 feet above its saddle with Lincoln, so it is unranked and does not appear on most official 14er lists. You still get to stand on it. The summits of Lincoln and Cameron are on private land. The landowner has allowed hikers to cross that land when they sign a liability waiver, so read the access notes on this page before you go.
Getting to the Trailhead
Kite Lake Trailhead
- Trailhead Elevation:
- 12,000 feet
- From Denver:
- About 100 miles (About 2.5 hours)
Directions
From Denver, take US 285 South to Fairplay, then turn north on Colorado 9 and drive to Alma. In the middle of Alma, turn west onto County Road 8 at the small Kite Lake sign across from the Caniglia Real Estate building. Drive through a residential area and continue about 6 miles to Kite Lake. You can also reach Alma from Interstate 70 by taking Colorado 9 south through Breckenridge and over Hoosier Pass.
Road Access
County Road 8 is a dirt road with washboard sections. 14ers.com rates it as passable for a two-wheel-drive vehicle with good clearance when the road is dry. The Forest Service regraded the final 1.15 miles in 2025 and 2026, and hikers in August and September 2026 reported that passenger cars could reach the new lot. The road closed for construction in fall 2025 and again in June and July 2026, so check for closures before you go. In winter, the road is closed at the Paris Mill site, which is about 3 miles below Kite Lake.
Parking Information
- A new, larger parking lot opened at Kite Lake in August 2026 after the Forest Service rebuilt the upper road. There are vault toilets at the trailhead and a small Forest Service campground with five sites. There is no drinking water and no trash service, so bring everything you need and pack out your trash. When the lot is full, hikers park along the road below the trailhead.
- Capacity: Hiker reports from 2026 describe room for roughly 100 vehicles in the new lot, plus overflow parking along the road
- There is an $8 day-use fee in summer. In 2026, hikers paid at a signed fee station on the road below the trailhead. Bring cash in case the envelopes or the machine are unavailable. Camping at Kite Lake has a separate nightly fee.
Pro Tip: On summer weekends, the lot has been full by about 4:30 a.m. Arrive before 4:30 a.m. or camp nearby the night before. Weekdays after Labor Day are much quieter.
The Route
Mount Lincoln via West Ridge
Class 2
This is an out-and-back route that goes over Mount Cameron in both directions. You will hike from Kite Lake to the Democrat-Cameron saddle at about 13,400 feet, follow the trail up Cameron's west ridge to its broad, flat summit, and then descend to the Cameron-Lincoln saddle before a final Class 2 pitch to Lincoln. You will gain 2,600 feet over about 3 miles to the summit.
From the parking area, follow the blocked road past the lake and climb out of the basin. You will pass a collapsed mine shack and then follow the trail up a rugged slope to the base of Mount Democrat's east slope. Near 12,800 feet, the trail swings briefly south before turning north across the slope to the saddle between Democrat and Cameron. This first section is shared with the Democrat route, so expect company.
At the saddle, turn right and follow the trail along the right side of Cameron's west ridge. The trail regains the ridge crest near 13,500 feet. The climb is steady and rocky, and near 14,000 feet the grade finally eases. Pass a bump on the left and walk onto the broad, flat top of Mount Cameron. From Cameron, descend northeast to the Cameron-Lincoln saddle, follow the trail past a small bump, and climb the short, rocky Class 2 pitch to Lincoln's summit.
The summit of Lincoln is the highest point in the Mosquito Range. You can look north toward Quandary Peak and the Tenmile Range, east over the wide basin of South Park, and back toward Democrat and Bross. Sign the register if there is one, and give yourself credit for passing over two points above 14,000 feet.
Descent
Retrace your steps to the Cameron-Lincoln saddle, climb back over Mount Cameron, and descend the west ridge to the Democrat-Cameron saddle. From there, follow the east slope trail back to Kite Lake. Expect a short uphill stretch on the way back over Cameron. From Lincoln's summit, you are about 3 miles from the trailhead. You can also descend by way of Mount Bross on the DeCaLiBron loop, which is about the same distance, but you must stay on the bypass trail below the closed Bross summit.
What's Special About Mount Lincoln?
Two 14,000-Foot Points
You stand on top of Mount Cameron on the way to Lincoln. It does not count as an official 14er, but it is still a thrill to cross.
Moderate Distance
At 6 miles round trip with 2,600 feet of gain, Lincoln is a manageable day for someone who has finished the 13-week training plan.
High Starting Point
Starting at 12,000 feet means you are above treeline immediately. The total gain is much lower than on many other 14ers.
Clear Trail
14ers.com rates route finding as low. The trail is obvious and busy on summer weekends.
When to Go
Best Time of Year
July through early September
These months offer the safest conditions for beginners with minimal snow coverage and the most predictable weather patterns. Mid-July to mid-August is peak season with the best trail conditions.
Caution: Attempting this peak in June or late September significantly increases difficulty due to snow conditions. Winter attempts require mountaineering skills.
Time of Day
You will spend most of the day on exposed ridges above 13,400 feet. Starting early gets you a parking spot and gives you time to cross Cameron twice before afternoon storms.
Sunrise Bonus: If you start at first light, you can watch the sun rise over South Park from Cameron's west ridge.
Weather Considerations
Colorado mountain weather is unpredictable. Cameron's ridge and Lincoln's summit are high, open, and far from shelter. On the way back, you have to climb over Cameron again, which adds time in the lightning zone. Plan to leave Lincoln's summit by late morning. If clouds are building before you reach Cameron, turn around at the saddle.
Pro Tips
Check Access Before You Leave Home
The summits of Lincoln and Cameron are on private land. Look for the waiver signs and QR code along Kite Lake Road and at the trailhead, and follow the posted instructions. Some hikers reported in 2026 that the online waiver page was not working, so read the latest Kite Lake updates on 14ers.com before you go.
Know What Counts
Most official lists count Lincoln but not Cameron. Take a summit photo on both, because standing above 14,000 feet twice in one hike is worth celebrating.
Stay on the Trail
The ridges are covered in old mining claims. Stay on the main trail and stay away from shafts, cabins, and equipment.
Related Peaks
DeCaLiBron Loop
Add Democrat and Bross
The DeCaLiBron loop adds Mount Democrat and the Mount Bross bypass for a 7.5-mile day with 3,500 feet of gain.
Learn MoreMount Democrat
Shorter peak from the same trailhead
Mount Democrat at 14,154 feet is only 4 miles round trip. It is a great choice if you want a shorter day at Kite Lake.
Learn MoreQuandary Peak
Visible to the north
Quandary Peak at 14,272 feet is a Class 1 hike near Breckenridge. It is a good warm-up before the Class 2 terrain on Lincoln.
Learn MoreAdditional Resources
AllTrails: Mount Lincoln via Kite Lake
See the trail map, photos, and recent reviews from other hikers.
14ers.com: Mount Lincoln
Read the detailed route description, trailhead status updates, and trip reports.
Colorado Avalanche Information Center
Check winter conditions and avalanche forecasts if you plan an off-season attempt.
Mountain Weather Forecast
Check the hour-by-hour summit forecast.
Ready to Summit Mount Lincoln?
Prepare for your summit with our 13-week training program.