Deer Creek-Catch Pen Loop (DCCP Loop)

Dogs Leashed

Deer-Creek Catch Pen loop is a 13 mile singletrack (less than 1/4 mile wash) loop with 2,000ft of gains thats best started along Lee Canyon Road (see access info).

The trailhead is located 2.75 miles north (go downhill on Lee Canyon) of the Sawmill TH and starts on the opposite side of the road. There is no sign with the name of the trail, but there is a 3 foot trail post marking the beginning of the trail, so this trail is almost entirely unknown in the Vegas community, but its been around for years. There are concrete pull outs near the start, but again there is no sign telling you that its the Deer Creek-Catch Pen trailhead.

The loop starts off going downhill and you follow cairns which cross a wash and you'll come to the first intersection about 1/4 mile into your ride or hike. You'll want to go left (right is the Blue Tree loop trail). Continue along on the trail and at 2 1/4 miles you'll come to the 2nd intersection. I like to do the loop in the counterclockwise direction, so I make a right here. Continue along on the trail heading south (there is just a minor wash section) and you'll climb close to 2k so get up for it.

At about 6 1/4 miles, you'll reach Highway 158. If you want to go minimal, this is a good place to set up a water cache pre-hike (but be sure to clean your waste and not leave trash on the mountain). You'll not cross Highway 158 or touch concrete, instead the downhill section is marked by another trail post. This downhill has a good amount of zigzags with the typical Mt Charleston trees hugging both sides of the singletrack. Continue along and at 10 3/4 mile, you'll reach that 2nd intersection where you made a right turn. Now just follow your tracks back to your car.

Juniper, Desert brush & Pinion Pine