Trail Facts

• Distance: 11.0

Waypoints

Red Deer Camp

Location: 40.1419906616211, -105.607849121094

Campsite on the S-side of Red Deer Lake. © Kris Wagner

Colorful Trout

Location: 40.142650604248, -105.611679077148

There’s a few trout in Red Deer Lake. © Kris Wagner

Shoreline

Location: 40.1443634033203, -105.610885620117

The N shoreline features beautiful ledges above the lake. © Kris Wagner

RDL001

Location: 40.1299667358398, -105.524124145508

Head W on dusty 4WD track

RDL002

Location: 40.1307487487793, -105.526016235352

Turn R and cross Middle St. Vrain Creek onto Buchanan Pass Trail. A jumble of spur trails lead to shaded campsites (permit required) and small eddies with trout

RDL003

Location: 40.1360015869141, -105.559005737305

String of dizzying overlooks into a canyon with rowdy cascades

RDL004

Location: 40.1385345458984, -105.56859588623

Continue straight on mucky track

RDL005

Location: 40.138484954834, -105.579933166504

The sharp angles of the Indian Peaks sweep into view; cliffband on R

RDL006

Location: 40.137622833252, -105.585762023926

Turn R into a sun-splashed valley guarded by neck-craning peaks

RDL007

Location: 40.1392974853516, -105.594665527344

On L, shaded lunch spot near rushing stream

RDL008

Location: 40.1494483947754, -105.604904174805

Swing L @ Y; cross wood bridge, then begin climbing through trees

RDL009

Location: 40.1384582519531, -105.600860595703

Turn R, slanting NW onto Red Deer Lake Trail

RDL010

Location: 40.1425628662109, -105.607849121094

Turn L near indigo alpine lake beneath 12,000-ft. Continental Divide

RDL011

Location: 40.1415481567383, -105.608489990234

Continue along S shoreline over a man-made dam to flat campsites under firs, which offer wind and sun protection. Options: Fly-fish Red Deer Lake, circumnavigate its rocky shoreline, or climb to the Divide for wide-angle views