Deer Creek Trail - Grand Canyon National Park, AZ - Grand Canyon trail that provides access to camping areas at the Colorado River

The Deer Creek Trail in the Grand Canyon National Park provides convenient access to a variety of camping and hiking areas at the Colorado River, including Deer Spring, Deer Creek Narrows, and the Deer Creek camping area. The trail was created in 1876 when John Wesley Powell discovered traces of gold at the mouth of Deer Creek. Arriving at the trailhead of Deer Creek Trail, access to Surprise Valley by way of the Thunder River Trail must be obtained. The trail then splits.

Elevations throughout the trail can be intense and only experienced hikers are advised to hike portions of Deer Creek Trail. Due to the combination of intense desert heat and spiking elevations, hikers should be well informed on what types of gear is recommended for the hike. Some of the elevations throughout Deer Creek include 3,800 feet at Junction with Thunder River Trail, 2,800 feet at Deer Spring, 2,300 feet at Deer Creek camping area, and 1,900 feet at the Colorado River.

Mileages across the trail include 3.75 miles to the Colorado River at Deer Creek one way, three miles to Deer Creek Narrows one way, and 2.75 miles to Deer Creek camping area one way.