Mount Democrat, CO – July 18-20, 2025

Join Leave No Trace at Mount Democrat, CO – July 18-20, 2025

Each year we hand-select nominated outdoor spaces that need our collective care and attention. By designating them as Spotlights, we’re rallying the local community to step up, join forces with Leave No Trace, and make a meaningful impact that can revitalize and protect these special places where we recreate, enjoy one another’s company, and elevate our health physically, mentally and emotionally.

Mount Democrat has been selected as a 2025 Leave No Trace Spotlight. Leave No Trace will be at Mount Democrat July 18-20, collaborating with hosts and partners on a variety of programs including stewardship projects, workshops, and community outreach.

Opportunities to Get Involved:

SATURDAY, JULY 19:

Leave No Trace Pop-up Education & Outreach, 6:00 am – 10:00 am, Kite Lake Trailhead, Mt. Democrat

Join Leave No Trace and Colorado Fourteeners Initiative (CFI) for engaging outreach and education to learn more about Leave No Trace and how to protect the unique alpine ecosystems of Mount Democrat and Colorado’s iconic and popular fourteen-thousand foot peaks. 

Trail Restoration and Alpine Ecology Lesson, 7:00 am – 3:00 pm, Kite Lake Trailhead, Mt. Democrat

Join CFI and Leave No Trace for a special Spotlight event at Kite Lake (Mts. Democrat/Lincoln)! Spend the morning restoring high-use trails and the afternoon learning about the unique alpine ecosystems of the DeCaliBron Loop with USFS ecologist Loretta McEllhiney and Leave No Trace. 

The day will begin with hands-on trail restoration work to address erosion and visitor impact in the heavily trafficked Kite Lake Basin. In the afternoon, shift gears to explore the fragile alpine ecology of the area during an interpretive walk. Discover the rare and resilient flora and fauna that inhabit this high-elevation landscape, as well as the geologic features that shape it. Questions? Contact Hannah Clark, [email protected]

SUNDAY, JULY 20:

Mt. Democrat Trail Maintenance, 7:00 am – 3:30 pm, Kite Lake Trailhead, Mt. Democrat

Join CFI and Leave No Trace for a single-day trail stewardship Spotlight on the Mt. Democrat Trail, part of the heavily-trafficked DeCaliBron Loop.  This event draws attention to the significant impacts of high visitation and the actions we can take to preserve these special places. Heavy use and late-season snowmelt are causing severe trail braiding and erosion. Volunteers will help prep, haul, and install timber check steps, stabilizing the tread and reducing hiker impact on the sensitive tundra ecosystem. Questions? Contact Hannah Clark, [email protected]

Leave No Trace Spotlights Proud Partners