Hike the Deer Ridge Loop in Rocky Mountain National Park | Loop Hikes

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10.5 mile loop

Trail Type: Longer Loop Hike
Trailhead: Deer Mountain
Beginning Elevation: 8,930'
Destination Elevation: 10,006'
Total Elevation Gain: 1,076'
Total Roundtrip Miles: 10.5

Deer Ridge Loop Trail, Rocky Mountain National Park

Longs Peak 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, begin 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 Estes Park and Lake Estes. 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 side summit 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