We started out at 7:00 AM for a hike up to Black Lake last weekend. But, as we passed the Visitor’s Center, we saw black clouds above the mountains from Long’s Peak to the Mummy Range. It looked foreboding, as it had for the past few mornings. We asked the gate attendant if there had been an early storm in the mountains the previous morning and he said that the mountains and Trail Ridge Road had to be cleared of debris. We knew that safety ALWAYS comes first so we looked around and saw that Deer Mountain didn’t have any clouds around it. We hadn’t hiked Deer Mountain in several years, so we drove up to the trailhead to begin our day.
 
The Deer Mountain hike starts out pretty easy with a beautiful walk through the ponderosa pines. As you come out into the meadows, you are treated to beautiful views of Long’s Peak and the whole mountain range of Taylor, Otis, Hallettt, Flattop and Notchtop Mountains to the south and southwest. It is really spectacular. There are many wildflowers along the way. We saw Mountain Daisies, Sulphur Flowers, Purple Asters, Yarrow, Wild Geraniums, and Goldenrod. The last time we hiked here it must’ve been earlier in the season because I remembered seeing the beautiful red Indian Paintbrush.
 
As we ascended the sunny slopes and reached a grove of aspens, we began a series of switchbacks where you can see the entire Mummy Range to the northwest. At this point, I remember years ago seeing many bluebirds flying around, but we didn’t see any today. As we continued on the switchbacks (of which there are many!), we again entered the shade of the numerous pine trees along the trail. To make the trail interesting, there are many lookouts where we could see the numerous mountains to the south as well as the Mummy Range. These are really pretty and there are a lot of rock outcroppings for those who want to stop and enjoy the views.
 
By this time we started counting the switchbacks and the trail leveled off. Deer Mountain is known to be a magnet for lightning storms, and we could see all of the charred trees as we continued along the trail. If you hear thunder nearby, turn around and head back down. You don’t want to be on that mountain (or on any RMNP mountain) during a storm. Here was a nice little respite of flat land, even descending a bit along the sandy trail dotted with beautiful Monument plants, before we got to the steps. There are quite a few of these, too, as we ascended to the summit. But, the view at the top is breath-taking. You can see all of Estes Park, Mary’s Lake, as well as Long’s Peak and the mountains to the southwest. It is worth the trip and a great place for a snack or a picnic lunch before you start down.
 
The hike back down was pleasant and easy. It’s a lot easier going down those steps than up them! When we arrived at the car, we decided to go to the Mummy Range overlook and have a picnic lunch for old time’s sake! The overlook is less than a mile down the road toward Endovalley. When we used to vacation here years ago, we frequently would have a picnic there. It was always so stunning. Just as we started eating, a family drove up and the parents gave the 2 little girls pretzels to feed the chipmunks. As they proceeded to chase the chipmunks around, I told them that they really shouldn’t feed the animals…that it wasn’t good for them to eat that kind of food. They both totally ignored me and continued to feed them. We were both so upset as the parents took no interest in the “Laws of RMNP.” When I was a child and an adult, especially one that I didn’t know, said something to me, I’d listen. We sat there on the rocks and ate lunch in silence. As they were about to leave, the father threw his cigarette on the ground and stamped on it. The car quickly drove off before we had a chance to say something about the high fire danger and litter.
 
The children certainly weren’t learning good behavior… and we didn’t end up having a very relaxing lunch.