Deer Peak
Maps:
USGS 7.5' Map:	Deer Peak
Statistics:	Difficulty: Number: Miles: Altitude: Obstacles: Time: Easy 2 FR401 5.73 10,360 to 11,572 ft. NA 1 hour
County:	Custer
Adopted by:
Managed by:	Pike and San Isabel National Forest, San Carlos Ranger District	3028 East Main Street Canon City, CO 81212	(719)269-8500
Summary:	Deer Peak is a short 4WD road that crosses over Deer Peak, which has a couple of radio and cell antenna facilities at the top.
Attractions:
Seasonal Closure:	Agency - December 2 to April 30
Best Time:	June - Still snowed in July - Best August - Best September - Best October - Watch for early snows
Trail Heads Accessed:
Camping:	There are a few dispersed campsites on the west side. The east side of the peak has one site.
Base Camp:	This would be a good area to base camp and explore the other roads in the area.
Fall Colors:	Poor - Mainly pine forest
Navigation:	From Rye, CO head east onto Main Street and go 0.2 miles. Turn left onto CO-165 W and go 16.7 miles. Turn left onto Ophir Creek Rd and go 1.1 miles. Slight left to stay on Ophir Creek Rd and go 482 feet. Turn left to stay on Ophir Creek Rd and go 7.0 miles. Turn right onto Deer Peak road FR401. From Westcliffe, CO. head south on CO-69 S/S 6th Street toward Rosita Street for 12.0 miles. Turn left onto Centennial Ranch Rd and go 5.7 miles. Turn left onto Sheep Creek Rd and go 0.6 miles. Slight right to stay on Sheep Creek Rd and go 125 feet. Turn right onto Gibbs Drive and go 1.5 miles. Turn left onto Horn Rd and go 1.6 miles. Turn left onto Gardner Rd and go 4.9 miles. Turn left onto Deer Peak road, FR401. From Gardner, CO, head west on CO-69 N toward Co Rd 638 for 1.9 miles. Turn right onto Gardner Rd and go 20.7 miles. Turn left onto Deer Peak road, FR401.
History:
Description:
Starting from the intersection of the Ophir Creek road and the Greenhorn Mountain road, FR369, the Deer Peak road climbs to the northwest up into the forest. Looking west from the start of Deer Peak Photo by: Adam M The road will be mainly a wide single lane that has seen some maintenance. There will be a few spur roads that go into the forest a short distance as you continue climbing toward Deer Peak. There are a few dispersed campsites along this section of the road. There will be a few openings giving you views to the west. After about 2 miles you will come out into a large sloping meadow and reach an intersection. The road to the left and down hill is Breece Creek, FR314. The road straight ahead is Burn, FR395. Take the road to the right to stay on Deer Peak. This is where you will climb up to the top of the peak on a two track. There are no real good views from the top due to the amount of trees. At the top of the peak you will find two broadcast repeater stations. Climbing to the top Photo by: Adam M Continue to the east from the top of Deer Peak. The road will stay a two track as it starts to wind down the east side of the Peak. Heading down the east side Photo by: Adam M After crossing some small openings and doing two switchbacks the Deer Peak road will intersect with Little Froze, FR396.
Data updated - April 21, 2016     4WD Road driven - September 7, 2015     Copyright 4X4Explore.com - 2000-2016