Deer Creek 3/3

Deer Creek
Summit County, Colorado
White River National Forest 
Dillon Ranger District 
View this on the Colorado Trailheads Map

Forest Service Road: 5
Trail Type: Straight Through
Nearby Towns: Montezuma, Keystone
Nearby Trails: Radical Hill, Webster Pass, Swan River, Peru Creek,Santa Fe Peak, Saints John
Trail Length: 3.7 miles
Elevation: 10,636 to 12,417 feet

This trail provides a quick way from Montezuma and Keystone into the trail system where it ends at the Swan River trail. It is a popular loop combined with the Saints John trail.

If you start on the north end near the town of Montezuma you drive through town and the road turns into the Deer Creek trail. It starts just past the Webster Pass trail. It is an easy dirt road for a bit, making it popular with people who don't have 4-wheel drive and want to get into the mountains. The road gets a bit more difficult after you pass the seasonal gate.

There are a few spurs to explore but the main route is easy to spot. The trail follows Deer Creek into the valley. It isn't too long before it leaves the trees and heads above timberline.

There are a few switchbacks before you reach the top. Additionally, this trail intersects with the Radical Hill trail, a trail marked with a sign. If you take this trail you will do the hill on the way down to Webster Pass.

The end of the trail is not very far past the Radical Hill intersection. It ends at the north fork of the Swan River trail. Turn right to go the short distance to the Saints John trail or a longer distance to Tiger Road and Breckenridge.

Information last updated on September 25th, 2011.

Driving Directions

From Denver, take Highway 6 to Keystone and follow signs to Montezuma Road. Follow the pavement until it ends at dirt roads and the tiny town of Montezuma. Go through town and the trail turns from a wide dirt road to a more narrow dirt road at the trailhead.

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