Winter Hike: Deer Mountain

Discover the serene winter beauty of Deer Mountain on this challenging winter hike! This guided trek will venture up the Deer Mountain Trail, where the climb rewards you with sweeping vistas of Longs Peak, Upper Beaver Meadows, Moraine Park, and Estes Park. Along the way, your guides will share insights into the park’s winter ecology and wildlife, and you'll experience the tranquility of nature in winter.

No prior winter hiking or snowshoe experience is required. Snowshoes or microspikes will be provided based on trail conditions. Snowshoes are best for fresh snow deeper than six inches, and microspikes are ideal on packed snow or icy terrain. Before setting out, instructors will demonstrate how to use the equipment and offer time to practice on level ground. This program is a perfect opportunity to discover the joy of winter exploration in Rocky Mountain National Park!

Who: Open to everyone ages 16 and up. Participants under the age of 18 must be accompanied by an adult.

Meeting Location: We will meet at the Estes Park Visitor Center and travel together to the trailhead in Conservancy vehicles.

Distance: 6 miles

Starting Elevation: 8,930 ft

Elevation gain and loss: 1,410 ft

Level: Challenging – These programs are ideal for people accustomed to hiking longer, steeper trails at elevations above 8,000 feet. Programs will include travel over rough, loose, and uneven terrain. Participants should be able to hike at a pace of 1.5 miles per hour while carrying their own food, water, and layered clothing.

What's Included:

• Park entry fees
• Transportation to the trailhead from Estes Park Visitor Center
• Snowshoes and/or microspikes depending on snow conditions
• Trekking poles

What to Pack: Plan to be outside in winter conditions for a full day. Please come dressed in weather appropriate layers and waterproof, insulted hiking boots or snow boots.

Please plan to carry:

• Day Pack
• Food/Snacks
• Water (2L per person)
• Extra layers
• Gloves
• Hat/buff
• Sunglasses & Sunscreen

Weather:

Rocky Mountain Conservancy reserves the right to change the program location due to trail and weather conditions at any time.

Our programs proceed, rain or shine. However, if weather or road conditions become unsafe, Rocky Mountain Conservancy will cancel the program. Participants will be notified by email and full refunds will be issued automatically for all participants.

Cancellations:

If your plans change and you are no longer able to join us, please send an email to [email protected] to let us know. We check in with ALL registered participants at the start of every program.

Refunds will be automatically issued for cancellations made at least 7 days in advance. Cancellations made fewer than 7 days in advance are not eligible for refunds.

Looking for another family-friendly snowshoe adventure? More information on Rocky Mountain National Park's snowshoe walks is available here:

Questions? Contact us at [email protected] or call 970-586-3262.

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Host or Publisher Rocky Mountain Conservancy Education Team