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- Deer Mtn
13,763 ft · Sawatch Range, Colorado
Deer Mtn
Deer Mtn is a 13,763 ft peak in the Sawatch Range, Colorado. The standard route is the Deer Mountain South Ridge: 10 mi, 4,485 ft of gain, Class 2.
Deer Mtn at a glance
- Elevation13,763 ft4,194 m
- RouteDeer Mountain South RidgeClass 2
- Distance10 mi4,485 ft gain
- Time7 – 9 hrsHard effort
- SeasonJul – Sep
- RangeSawatch RangeColorado
Climbing the Deer Mountain South Ridge
Deer Mtn sits in the Sawatch Range. The usual ascent is Deer Mountain South Ridge, rated Class 2. Plan about 10 miles round-trip with roughly 4,485 ft of gain from about 10,794 ft. The trailhead is typically reachable by passenger car. Summer monsoon storms build fast, so start early and be off the summit by early afternoon. Watch for loose rock, route-finding on talus, and brief exposed steps where the terrain steepens. Stats and approach details follow climb13ers.com. Bring layers for cold wind on the summit ridge.
Gear and hazards
What to bring
Backpack (30–40 L)
Hiking Boots
Water
Offline Maps
Headlamp
Satellite Communicator
Whistle
Sunglasses
Sunscreen
Sun Hat
Midlayer
Insulated Jacket
Hardshell Jacket
Warm Hat
Buff
Midweight Gloves
Trekking Poles
GPS Device
Power Bank
Water Filter
First-Aid Kit
Emergency Bivy
What to watch for
- Storms
- High altitude
- Route-finding difficulty
Quests with Deer Mtn
Colorado 13ersPeaks near Deer Mtn
Frequently asked questions
How tall is Deer Mtn?
Deer Mtn is 13,763 feet (4,194 m) tall. It is in the Sawatch Range, Colorado.
How does Deer Mtn rank among the Colorado 13ers?
At 13,763 feet, Deer Mtn is the 68th highest of the 582 Colorado 13ers. The highest is Grizzly Peak.
How hard is it to hike Deer Mtn?
The Deer Mountain South Ridge is Class 2, which means off-trail hiking with some use of your hands for balance. Yak rates the overall effort hard: 10 miles with 4,485 feet of elevation gain.
How long does it take to hike Deer Mtn?
Most people take 7 – 9 hours round trip on the Deer Mountain South Ridge, covering 10 miles with 4,485 feet of elevation gain, so most people do it in a day.
Can a beginner hike Deer Mtn?
The Deer Mountain South Ridge needs no climbing skills, but it is a hard day: 10 miles with 4,485 feet of elevation gain. Build up on shorter hikes first, start early and carry plenty of water and layers.
Will you get altitude sickness on Deer Mtn?
You might. Most people feel the altitude above 8,000 feet, and Deer Mtn reaches 13,763 feet. Spend a night or two at elevation first, drink plenty of water and turn back if a headache, nausea or dizziness gets worse.
What time should you start hiking Deer Mtn?
Early. Afternoon thunderstorms are common in summer, so aim to be off the summit and the exposed upper mountain by early afternoon.
When is the best time to hike Deer Mtn?
The usual hiking window is July to September. Outside it, expect snow, storms or closed access, and check the summit forecast before you go.
Climb Deer Mtn with Yak
Plan your route on a topo map, check the summit forecast, then log your climb and see what is left on your list