Indian Peaks Wilderness: Camp Dick to Red Deer Lake
Hike into the core of Indian Peaks Wilderness on this 13.6-mile overnight, which leads past waterfalls to a sunbleached valley and a sweet lakeside campsite.
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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
