Deep Creek  Photos:  Recent | Best | Popular Elevation:  8,000' Page Views:  1,933. Good page? (1 like)    Administrators:  Ben Mottinger, Leo Paik, John McNamee, Frances Fierst, Monomaniac, Tom Erickson Submitted By:  Caelan on Apr 14, 2006 Make this area a Favorite What's New   Print a Mini-Guide with routes Add Route  Add Photo  Add Comment  Add Event

Description 

Deep Creek is a beautiful & secluded area that involves enough of an approach (~1 hr on foot, faster w/ skis or snowshoes) to keep most folks away. If you are looking for solitude, this is a wonderful destination. The avalanche danger increases with the season, so early season is usually best.

Getting There 

Deep Creek lies on the North side of CO Hwy 145. To get there, take CO Hwy 145 east (toward Telluride), then make a left (north) at Deep Creek Road (it's a Dirt Road directly across CO Hwy 145 from the CDOT Facility). Follow this road until you intersect with Last Dollar Road. Take a right (south-east) until you reach the Sheep Creek Trailhead. Hike, snowshoe or ski North on a wide dirt road until it curves/switchbacks left (west, then south). Follow this switchback until it cuts back north. Follow the trail, which should follow a creek. Cross to the East side of the creek, then look North and East for Ice. The first thing you will see are several hundred feet of slabby ice in front of you and slightly to your left. Then you will probably see "Deep Creek Staircase" directly North in a huge gully at the end of the valley. "Deep Thoughts", "Deep Space" and "Deep Shit" will appear to your right once you clear the woods.

The Classics

Featured Route For Deep Creek

Deep Thoughts WI4  CO : CO Ice & Mixed : ... : Deep Creek

The crux is the start. Ascend ~20ft. of vertical ice, then enjoy the shorter sections above. You can climb this is one pitch, but it's probably better to set a belay and do 2 pitches if you want to protect the scramble at the top. Walk off (we went left). The solitude is unparalleled....[more]   Browse More Classics in CO