Deer Mountain Loop Hike

The Deer Mountain Loop Trail will guide you through ponderosa pines interspersed with aspens while you revel in the beauty of the Colorado wilderness – this hike will not disappoint. Make sure you are wearing layers, as the exposed overlook at the summit of Deer Mountain is often windy and cold! It is also worth noting there are several switchbacks up to the summit, which ultimately aid in the navigation of the vertiginous terrain, but demand exertion. Sturdy footwear and trekking poles are recommended. Located within the Rocky Mountain National Park (RMNP), hikers are required to purchase a park pass.

Begin your journey around the Deer Mountain Loop Trail from the trailhead. The hike can be completed in either direction, but we recommend trekking counterclockwise. From the trailhead, the path tracks east beneath the sparse coverage of ponderosa pines. Navigate the seemingly endless set of switchbacks up to the summit of Deer Mountain. From the peak, enjoy uninterrupted vistas of the Front Range peaks and Estes Park. Revel in the mountainous landscape and merge onto the North Deer Mountain Trail. This section of the path will guide you down the east side of the mountain.

Maintain along the North Deer Mountain Trail and at the junction, keep left and you will quickly encounter yet another intersection, again, keep left and you will be diverted onto an unnamed route. Hike northwest along this trail through meadowlands and tree shade. As you trek along the base of Deer Mountain, you will eventually confront another junction—keep left and this path will deliver you back to the trailhead, marking your adventure’s end.