FATMAP by Strava

Deer Creek Loop

Crested Butte

A grueling cross country trail that rewards the rider with beautiful wild flowers and stunning views.

Mountain Biking Difficult

Distance
41 km
Ascent
1.1 km
Descent
1.1 km
Duration
3-4 hrs
Low Point
2.7 km
High Point
3.2 km
Gradient
Deer Creek Loop Map

Deer Creek might be a cross country-oriented trail due to the lack of major downhills, but it's definitely NOT an easy mountain bike ride. This lengthy trail traversing the Crested Butte backcountry features some significant and steep climbs, along with rock gardens to keep you on your toes.

Description

Similar to 403, simply accessing Deer Creek can be a challenge, which is why it's shown here as a mega-loop. Unless you can recruit a friend to shuttle you, you're in for a serious pedal if you want to tackle Deer Creek in its entirety. But of course, you could always ride a small portion of this trail as an out-and-back from either end.

If you DO decide to brave Deer Creek's rigors, it will reward you. "It has beautiful flowers, beautiful views, and a few really fun, albeit relatively short, downhills," according to MTBHome.com. "It also rides great in both directions and melts out relatively early in the spring before a lot of the other classic CB singletrack."

How early in the spring? Of course, that depends on the snowpack, but sometimes it's even rideable in mid-June, according to CBMBA. This route is also best ridden in the spring as this area is open to cow grazing beginning in late July, which can cause temporary (but annoying) trail damage.

Sources: https://crestedbuttemountainbike.com/rides/expert-deer-creek-mountain-bike-loop-crested-butte-co/ https://mtbhome.com/trail-area/brush-creek/

Difficulty

Difficult

Mostly stable trail tread with some variability featuring larger and more unavoidable obstacles that may include, but not be limited to: bigger stones, roots, steps, and narrow curves. Compared to lower intermediate, technical difficulty is more advanced and grades of slopes are steeper. Ideal for upper intermediate riders.

Medium Exposure

2 out of 4

The trail contains some obstacles such as outcroppings and rock which could cause injury.

Remoteness

4 out of 4

In the high mountains or remote conditions, all individuals must be completely autonomous in every situation.

Best time to visit

between June and October

Features

  • Flow
  • Technical
  • Hike a bike
  • Road sections
  • Roots
  • Rock Gardens

Similar routes nearby

Guidebooks in this area