Red Deer Lake Trail

Hikers will trek through alpine forests and along a river valley when they complete this hike. The Red Deer Lake Hike is a lengthy hike through the Indian Peaks Wilderness. With fairly mild terrains and gradual elevation gain, this trail is great for those looking for an undemanding hike to vistas of the craggy Indian Peaks. Though undemanding terrain wise, this adventure is long and progressively climbs in altitude—it will surely get your blood pumping. When traversing this trail be mindful of moose, they are often spotted along this hike.

Start the Red Deer Lake Hike from the Camp Dick Parking Lot. Head onto Country Road 92J before quickly veering right onto Buchanan Pass Trail. Buchanan Pass Trail is serene as it follows the curves of the Middle St. Vrain Creek and past cascading waterfalls and through the lush forest. This section of the trail is lengthy. Continue along the path as it ascends the treeline. As the hike progresses you will meet a junction with the Saint Vrain Mountain Trail, stay left on Buchanan Pass Trail. Continue north along the path as it begins to curve. Avoid branching off the trail and stay left as it winds south. Hike along the path until you meet the trail signposted “Deer Lake”. Turn right and ascend the path to Deer Lake, sights of the surrounding craggy peaks await you.

After basking in the alpine scenery, retrace your steps. Maintain along the Buchanan Pass Trail for the entirety of your descent until you merge with Country Road 92J just prior to the carpark.