8/8/2026 Route: Via North Fork Lake Creek TH Posted On: 8/9/2026, By: IHikeLikeAGirl Info: Took the trail up to the lake/tarn/pond near Deer Mountain, then turned left and sauntered up to the ridge. We rode the ridge bumps like a champ, skimming the tops, when it suited us. In the loose gully, we ascended the rock on the right side. Overall, the rock was decent, had some loose garbage in there and some basketball-sized rocks were ready to release, but it was better than the alternative (in our humble opinions). After the gully, made the mistake of getting back on the ridge too early (my bad). It worked out fine but the better option was to contour around and then ascend, much easier and faster. We came down that way and we were able to piece together a number of little ledges. But yes, if you prefer it, ascending the ridge proper, early, did offer more scrambling on (mostly) stable rock. |
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9/1/2025 Route: Ridge from 13,220 Posted On: 9/3/2025, By: sodomike Info: Great loop with 13,220 and Deer. I intended to continue to 13,738 to descend its NW ridge, but was low on water so Deer became an out-and-back. The approach trail is in good shape and goes quickly. After skirting the big cliff and gaining the ridge via the obvious gully, the summit ridge direct goes at moderate Class 3, with only 2-3 harder moves, easily avoidable. If some basic scrambling is what you are after, no need to be any further than 5-10 feet east of the ridge at any point. All was very enjoyable on solid rock. I also imagine a more practiced climber comfortable with extreme exposure would find a direct route up the ridge from the saddle to be rewarding and enjoyable (avoiding the west side traverse and gully workaround all together). I removed no less than 10 cairns along the upper part of this route, preumably from where the more easterly, 'avoiding all the fun rock', route joins this area near the summit. They were often no more than 10-20 feet from one another, completely unneccesary and took away from an otherwise wild and remote aesthetic. |
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7/3/2024 Route: S ridge, from N Fork Lake Cr. Posted On: 7/3/2024, By: d_baker Info: ~9 miles 2680' gain Summer conditions with minor snow field crossings. We followed the North Fork Lake Creek trail #1483 (as seen on gaia) N into the valley, and the trail has some running water on it but overall in good condition. We found our own creek(s) crossing of the several creeks that flow into one, and then got back on the trail. The trail goes to the lake at saddle of Deer and eastern slopes of 13,291. We left the trail at a minor ridge and went up grassy slopes to a saddle where the U shaped ridge turns N, and followed ridge proper until the difficulties (ie, steep rock, cliff) on S side of the 291' final ridge portion. Bypassed/traversed on ~wide ledges/grass ramps on E side/ascender's right. Kept traversing below steep rock (on ascender's left side), until an obvious grassy slope gave easy passage back to ridge proper. Good but easy class 3 scrambling in some areas. The rock is good, but there are a lot of horizontal fractured blocks that can and do slide out. Test holds before fully commiting! On descent, we went to the lake and got on the trail from there. We originally planned to go W to 13,220 but energy and interest was low, and I just did it last summer anyway! The route around the E side going to summit block made it interesting but route finding isn't too difficult. Just pay attention to some landmarks and look behind you so you're familiar with what it will look like on descent. Also, this day is an example in The Art of Abandonment (orphaning). Lol |
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7/21/2023 Route: from Deer Mtn. Posted On: 7/22/2023, By: ScottLovesRMNP Info: Return to the base of the northwest ridge of Deer Mountain at about 12, 400 ft and ascend the grassy slope on the other side of the lake and head north on the ridge to the base of the summit climb. It is a convoluted route that requires careful focus, as it has some narrow, steeply sloping areas with substantial exposure. Although it is mostly Class 2+ with some occasional Class 3 moves sprinkled in, the exposure and loose rock got me to take a very slow approach, testing every foothold and handhold. From the base of the summit climb (facing north), do not take the summit ridge head on unless you want technical climbing. Go to the right (east) side of the ridge and locate a descending grassy ramp that eventually turns a corner and allows you to regain the ridge. From there, you still have work to do to reach the true summit. This peak is way out there and is as hard as it looks as you approach it! Study the terrain carefully to ensure you return the same way you go out, as many features look alike in different places on this mountain. Summer conditions, and beautiful views. Deer Mtn looks monstrous from up there! |
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7/20/2021 Route: from UN 13,202 Posted On: 7/21/2021, By: SnowAlien Info: What a doozy! Btw, the summit is not where balloon is on the topo map (Gaia and Caltopo are also off). It's pretty obvious though, as you get on the "indicated" summit, there's a higher bump up the ridge. And what a "bump" it is! Felt like sustained C4 with a sprinkle of low C5. A fine neighbor of Williams group. The rock is a-mazing solid granite. On the way back I accidentally took the wrong gully (started downclimbing too soon), which was even harder, but was able to reverse my mistake. Storied register, which was wet. |