A look up the Deer Mountain Trailhead from the road.
Shortly after you begin your hike you'll see the path down to the Aspenglen Campground.
A downed tree that looked fresh had been there long enough for an alternate route to be established.
Climbing up open meadows on the side of the mountain offer sweeping views of the surrounding valleys and mountains.
This will be your view for much of the hike once you switchback through open meadows.
The last push to the summit is a short and rocky stairmaster. Push through for a summit view.
I had plenty of room to pack out this trash left by others. Please be cognizant of any trash from meals/snacks you bring and securely pack them out.
The view atop Deer Mountain overlooking most of Estes Park.
The rocky area at the Deer Mountain summit offers near 360-degree views of Estes Park and the east side of Rocky Mountain National Park.
The geological marker at the Deer Mountain summit (10,013 ft).
Longs Peak towers over you most of the Deer Mountain hike in Rocky Mountain National Park.
A lone tree covers the trail in an open meadow overlooking the valley.
The setting sun hits the hills from behind to create streaks of sun beams.