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Deer Ridge - 10.5 mile loop


Trail Type: Longer Hike
Trailhead: Deer Mountain
Location: Northern Park
Beginning Elevation: 8,930'
Destination Elevation: 10,006'

​Total Elevation Gain: 1,076'
​
Total Roundtrip Miles: 10.5

Deer Ridge Trail, Rocky Mountain National Park
Longs Peak viewed from the Deer Ridge Trail
Trail Description
One of the few trails where you can see all of the best that Rocky Mountain National Park has to offer. Starting at the Deer Ridge Junction trailhead, hike a short ways up the trail, then take a left and go past Little Horseshoe Park. There are views of the N. Mummy Range and up the Old Fall River Road as the trail continues along the north shoulder of Deer Ridge. Continue traveling to the east, eventually affording views of Lake Estes and Estes Park. Swinging over the far east ridge line, the trail now travels west bringing into view Longs Peak, the Front Range and Moraine Park. A series of a dozen or more quick switchbacks takes the trail to the crest ridge and the final side-trail  leading to the summit. Returning to the main trail, travel to the west, descending back to Deer Ridge Junction. This is an excellent early spring trail while the higher trails are still under snow.
How to Get There
​From the National Park Headquarters, take US 36 west 4.5 miles to the Deer Ridge Junction trailhead. This is also the Junction with US 34.
Trail Profile
Profile, Deer Ridge Trail, Rocky Mountain National Park
See an Index of Trail Profiles here
​Weather Information
NWS Weather Link
Trail Map
Deer Ridge Loop Photo Gallery

Picture
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  • Home
  • Hike Rocky Magazine
    • Hike Rocky magazine
    • RMNP Updates
    • Trail Reviews
    • Gear Reviews
    • Science & Ecology
    • History & Current Issues
    • Stories & Adventure
    • Culture and Arts in the Park
    • The Continental Divide Story, 1977 by Kip Rusk
  • Trail Guide to RMNP
    • Trails by Location
    • Trails by Distance
    • Trails by Destination
    • Index of Trails
  • Wildflowers of RMNP
    • April/May Flowers
    • June/July Flowers
    • August/September Flowers
  • About Us
    • Who We Are
    • Supporting Partners
    • Media Kit
    • 2025 Hike Rocky Print Edition
    • 2024 Hike Rocky Print Magazine