Deer Mountain - Spring 2011

Part of the Highlander Clan has visited Deer Mountain.  They returned with such glowing reports (just click to read them!) we decided we should see for ourselves.  Unfortunately, threatening weather kept us from summiting - well, actually we started too late in the morning.  Everyone knows you should plan to be down from the mountains by early afternoon! We hiked far enough, though, to realize that the claims are true.  The views are Gorgeous all along the way and some of the best are in the first mile!

Even our beloved Y of the Rockies

...... and some of the beautiful flowers for which Deer Mtn. is known

Deer Mountain

After dessert at Bald Pate Inn the night before, Emily, Alex, Taylor, and Sean chose Deer Mountain to work off the extra calories.  This is a 3 mile hike (one way) which summits at 10,013 ft. with a 1,093 ft. elevation gain.  It is often referred to as one of the easier summits in the Park.  As a hike, though, RMNP gives it a moderate rating.

The first mile of Deer Mountain Trail is gently ascending and offers some of the best scenery.  This includes Ypsilon Mt. and Beaver Meadow with Longs Peak as its backdrop.  The pines are an impressive size and, especially this year, the wildflowers are in great abundance.

The second mile begins to climb more steeply and is shaded by the pine and fir trees.  However, there are several turnouts revealing gorgeous views of the valleys below and the surrounding mountains.

The last mile of the hike becomes level and even tends toward downhill.  The forest is more open and frames excellent views of Estes Park to the East, Longs Peak to the South,  and Ypsilon Mt. to the Northwest.

At the summit, the trees and rocks testify to the harshness of mountain weather, even at 10,000 ft.  Forest fires have created picturesque snags of burned pine while the wind has flattened the tops of the huge boulders.  These forest fires are caused by lightening, and Deer Mountain seems to be a preferred target.  Hikers should take note and descend when thunderheads start to build.