RMNP - Deer 🦌 Mountain

Hikes are always subject to date/time change or cancellation due to weather, trail conditions or closures, or other unforeseen circumstances.

FEE: There is a $30 fee to enter the park if you don’t have the American the Beautiful National Parks pass. If you’re interested in carpooling, please post a comment in the event.

Difficulty: Moderate: about 6.5 to 7 miles with about 1,400 feet elevation gain.

HIKE DESCRIPTION: Deer Mountain is a 10,013 foot peak in the northeastern part of RMNP. As you hike up the trail, you will be rewarded with uninterrupted views of Estes Park, Little Horseshoe Park, the Mummy Range and Longs Peak. The trail starts with a 1-mile meander through open valley. Then, the trail enters a steep forested area with a series of switchbacks that make the climb easier. The third mile starts with a slight downward slope through an aspen forest, and then the final two-tenths of a mile are steep stone steps. There are gorgeous views all the way along the trail and a 300-degree view as your reward for reaching the top. We will do the following hike in alltrails: https://www.alltrails.com/trail/us/colorado/deer-mountain-trail?search=true

DOGS: 🚫 not allowed on this hike.

ADDRESS/DIRECTIONS: We will meet at the trailhead. There is a $30 per vehicle fee to enter the park if you don’t have the America the Beautiful National Parks Pass. Trailhead parking is along the road. To get there, you can click the alltrails link above and click directions. Or if you use Google maps, you can type in “Deer Mountain Trailhead” for directions. If you use Apple Maps, you can type in “Deer Mountain Trail” for directions.

We wait 5 minutes for late arrivals…but no longer as that is inconsiderate to those arriving timely. So please allow extra time to get to the trailhead.

IMPORTANT: This is a participate at your own risk event! Life is risky. I am not a professional guide and am simply hosting this event. By signing up for this hike you acknowledge that you are capable of performing this hike and that you are solely responsible for your own safety.

NO SHOWS: If you are a no-show to 2 hikes, you will be booted from this meetup group. So please change your RSVP to “not going” if you are unable to make it.

WHAT YOU SHOULD BRING: Water, snacks, layers of clothing, good hiking shoes/boots, sunscreen, bug repellant, sunglasses, hat, gloves, hiking poles (if you find them helpful), and anything else you deem essential.

WEATHER: Here is the NOAA forecast for the hike location. For hourly temps, wind, precipitation, etc., click “Hourly Weather Forecast” in the upper right. https://forecast.weather.gov/MapClick.php?lat=40.37943000000007&lon=-105.58471999999995#.Y_AomC9lBvI

REQUIRED WAIVER: If you have not already done so, you must sign the updated waiver with our new meetup name prior to this hike. I will have copies at the trailhead that you can sign or you may print, sign, and bring it with you from the following website: https://www.dropbox.com/s/p728z28jjuwdzws/Waiver%20Corona.pdf?dl=0
If you choose to sign at the trailhead, please arrive early so that we can depart for the hike timely.