The standard, shortest of the four DeCaLiBron summits, and the one with the most secure public access following a 2023 conservation-land purchase.
The Kite Lake Trailhead sits at roughly 12,000 feet above Alma, reached via a rough but generally 2WD-passable road. From Kite Lake, the trail zigzags up Democrat's east slope to the saddle with Mount Cameron, at around 13,000 feet. From the saddle, turn left (south) and follow the ridgeline the rest of the way to Democrat's summit at 14,155 feet.
Reverse the route back to Kite Lake, or continue the loop over Cameron toward Lincoln (and, via the bypass, Bross) if attempting the full DeCaLiBron.