Deer Mountain Trail

Route Description for Deer Mountain Trail

The Deer Mountain Trail is a crowd-favorite in the Rocky Mountain National Park. This adventure is unforgettably scenic; thus, there is no surprise as to why the hike is so popular. If you wish for a secluded adventure, then we would recommend another trail or venturing Deer Mountain on early weekday mornings. There is no parking lot, so visitors must park alongside the road. Roadside parking is limited, so arrive early to secure a spot! This trail is deceiving, don’t let the initial gradual grade fool you- the path gets much steeper and as you near the summit, so pack plenty of water to stay hydrated. Note that because this trail is located within the Rocky Mountain National Park (RMNP), visitors are required to purchase a park pass.

Immerse yourself in the Colorado wilderness as you venture the Deer Mountain Trail. The Deer Mountain Hike will guide you through a dense ponderosa pine forest to the summit overlooking the neighboring peaks of the Front Range. As you ascend the path, you will be immediately granted views of the Little Horseshoe Park and the Mummy Range. As you near the summit and climb the verdant woodlands, you will get expansive vistas of Moraine Park, Longs Peaks and the several other snow-capped peaks that line the horizon. The combination of lush forests and scenic mountain views makes this trail so unique and undeniably picturesque.

The Deer Mountain Hike heads east from the trailhead. Almost immediately after you depart from the trailhead, you will encounter an intersection. Here, keep right on the Deer Mountain Trail. The leftmost trail would take you to the Aspenglen Campground. As you ascend the path, you will be rewarded with stunning mountain views the entirety of the way. Hike through the lush ponderosa pines and enjoy the fresh smells of Colorado nature. Continue up the route, and you will encounter what seems like an endless amount of switchbacks.

Though relentless, these switchbacks make the terrain more manageable. Navigate the switchbacks and let the mountain views motivate you as you climb. After the winding trail, the path will guide you southeast to the summit of Deer Mountain. As you ascend the peak, you will be overwhelmed with the expansive mountainous views. Revel in the grandeur of the RMNP snow-capped craggy peaks that flank the verdant subalpine forests.

Explore the mountain top and appreciate the views before beginning your descent. When you are ready, head down the trail, retracing your steps to the trailhead.

Frequently Asked Questions

How tall is Deer Mountain?

Deer Mountain sits at an elevation of 3,052 m.

How long does it take to hike Deer Mountain?

Depending on how much time you spend on the summit, the Deer Mountain Hike usually takes about 3-4hrs.

Insider Hints for Deer Mountain Trail

• Go grab a cappuccino at Coffee on the Rocks in Estes Park after your hike
• If you plan to hike in the autumn or winter months, microspikes might be a good idea as the terrain is often icy and snowy at the summit
• Pack provisions and have a picnic atop the summit
• Though the path is steep, the several switchbacks make it manageable for novice hikers and children alike