Red Deer Lake is tucked away in a slender, isolated valley between Sawtooth Mountain (south) and St Vrain Mountain (north). Mild grades, good trail conditions and excellent fishing along Middle St Vrain Creek and at Red Deer Lake make this an ideal family and backcountry camping destination.

A small clearing on the east shore of Red Deer Lake

Mild grades make for quick travel over the first 2.5 miles

Columbine thrive along the glacier-fed slopes above Red Deer Lake

Red Deer Lake

Open meadows near the Buchanan Pass - St Vrain Glacier Trail split

A narrow, shallow valley beneath Red Deer Lake offers good camping terrain

Grouse are common in the spruce forests near Red Deer Lake

The rocky, densely vegetated north shore of Red Deer Lake

The rugged 4WD road to Middle St Vrain Trailhead keeps crowds light at Red Deer Lake and the Gibraltar Lakes

Open meadows near the trailhead attract deer, elk and moose

Look for wildlife in the verdant valley beneath Red Deer Lake

Climb the open south slopes for sweeping views over Red Deer Lake

Close up of the upper valley near Gibraltar Lakes