Deer Ridge - Moraine Park Trail

Dogs No Dogs

Features Birding · River/Creek · Views · Wildflowers · Wildlife

This gentle trail is a north-south, out-and-back route stretching from Moraine Park to Upper Beaver Meadows. It is a nice way to increase your chances of seeing the elk, deer and bighorn sheep of Beaver Meadows without using a noisy car.

Pick up the Deer Ridge - Moraine Park Trail from the eastern end of Moraine Campground, across the road from the Moraine - Tuxedo Park Trail. The Deer Ridge - Moraine Park Trail starts out heading directly east, but soon turns north, leaving the meadow for a sparse forest. Hike up a mellow incline, passing Beaver Meadows Loops on the left and the Utility Area Access Trail on the right.

The terrain opens up briefly before plunging back into dense forest. Surmount a short ridge, which is the highpoint of this trail, and then descend easy grades into the incredibly scenic Upper Beaver Meadow area. From here enjoy the views of the distant peaks, wildlife and the chance to spot wildlife. After crossing Beaver Brook and coming to the intersection with the Beaver Point Trail, the Deer Ridge - Moraine Park Trail ends at a parking pullout off the Upper Beaver Meadows Road.

Elk, deer, moose and bighorn sheep.