The Conservation Fund Secures Land on Mount Bross to Benefit Public Access and Alpine Ecosystems

In a major win for conservation and public access, The Conservation Fund has protected more than 480 acres of critical land on Mount Bross — one of Colorado’s iconic 14ers, or 14,000-foot peaks. The acquisition marks a significant step toward securing long-term public access, safeguarding fragile alpine ecosystems, and preserving the sweeping viewsheds that define Colorado’s high country.

The newly conserved property ensures public hiking access on a section of the popular nearly eight-mile DeCaLiBron Loop Trail, named for the four peaks it traverses: Democrat, Cameron, Lincoln and Bross. The loop is one of Colorado’s most treasured alpine hikes, offering access to four distinct 14,000-foot peaks in a single route. With this addition, The Conservation Fund advances its multiyear initiative to protect Colorado’s 14ers — building on its 2023 purchase of Mount Democrat, now protected by the U.S. Forest Service.

“This project is a win for outdoor enthusiasts, for conservation, and for the future of Colorado’s mountain heritage,” said Kelly Ingebritson, senior field representative at The Conservation Fund. “By protecting this land, we’re not only ensuring trail access to a beloved 14er, but also preserving the breathtaking views and ecological value of one of the state’s most treasured forests and landscapes.”

The 480 acres will be added to the Pike-San Isabel National Forest, expanding the protected alpine forest viewshed by an area nearly one and a half times the size of Denver’s City Park. The land also helps protect the headwaters of the South Platte River — a vital source of drinking water, agricultural irrigation, and a healthy downstream environment.

Without protection, the property was at risk of development that could have limited public access and fragmented a scenic landscape. Securing the land is a step forward after decades of complex land ownership and trail closures that have challenged land managers and impacted local communities that rely on outdoor recreation for economic stability.

The project was made possible through a partnership with the U.S. Forest Service, Park County, the Colorado Fourteeners Initiative, Mosquito Range Heritage Initiative, and a local landowner, Earth Energy Resources, LLC. The property is expected to transfer to public ownership within the year.

While this acquisition marks a significant step toward long-term access and conservation on Mount Bross, some private land remains on the mountain. As a result, legal access to the summit is not permitted, and work continues to protect remaining inholdings in collaboration with landowners and partners.



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