RMNP - Deer 🦌 Mountain & North Deer Mountain Loop

We did this loop hike 2 years on Sept. 15 and I loved it. We saw some people on the stretch up to Deer Mountain, but on the remaining 8 miles of the loop, we saw nobody. Instead we saw lots of deer, elk, and some ptarmigan. One of the elk herds was right next to the trail…a male with his harem of females. Spectacular! We also heard some bugling in the distance. And fall colors were just starting so a very nice hike.

FEE: Since we will be in the park before 9am, no timed entry pass will be required. But each car will still need an America the Beautiful Fed Parks Pass or there is a $30 fee per car. I am not coordinating a carpool for this hike. But if you would like to carpool, please comment in the event and suggest a location to meet.

Hikes are always subject to date/time change or cancellation due to weather, trail conditions or closures, or other unforeseen circumstances. We hike as a group and hike at an average moving pace of about 2.5mph (slower up…faster down). Everyone is expected to wait at all intersections & periodically otherwise so that no one is left behind or hiking on their own for safety purposes. We will plan to take a short break at the top of Deer Mountain and again at an appropriate spot & we will stop as needed along the way for water, snacks, pictures, etc.

Difficulty: about 11 miles with about 2,000 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. There are gorgeous views all the way along the trail and a 300-degree view as your reward for reaching the top. But then we will continue the hike to North Deer Mountain and the loop around the other side. We will do the following hike in alltrails: https://www.alltrails.com/trail/us/colorado/deer-mountain-loop?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, so see my comment above about carpooling. 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 Mtn Trailhead” 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.