Mummy Springs v Deer Creek O&B - 6/5/23

Mummy Springs & Snow Melt

Mummy Springs snow melt from Mummy Mountain

Deer Creek

Deer Creek running next to Picnic Area

For our next water extravaganza, we had heard that the ground was snow-free all the way up Deer Creek Trail to the Mummy Springs area. So, six club members parked at the Deer Creek Picnic Area parking and started up the pavement on the other side of the road. Immediately, we noticed that Deer Creek was flowing strong; perhaps even stronger than we had ever seen it before. There was a huge pond that had collected in the wash right at the road. We didn't see anywhere that it was able to flow through to the other side. Hiking up the hill next to the picnic tables, we enjoyed the creek waterfalls and sounds. At this early hour, there were few other people around.

Deer Creek next to Cougar Ridge Trail

Deer Creek next to Deer Creek Trail

Climbing up to Deer Creek Ridge

Leaning into the climb on the Ridge

At the top of the hill, the pavement intersected with a dirt road, Cougar Ridge Trail. We turned right onto the dirt road and continued climbing along the creek until the road took a right angle turn to the right. Here, our route changed to the Deer Creek Trail that continued straight ahead. Once again, we were impressed with the abundance of water and how we had to navigate the interrupted trail. On our way up, we had to veer off the trail to pass by a large fallen tree. While trying to return to the trail, we temporarily lost the route. Eventually, we did find the trail again but this area was not a problem on our return. Still with no snow in our path, we climbed up onto the ridge to the right at the landmark boulder.

Snow among the trees below Raintree

Jerry & Cheryl hiking up through the Campsite

Chuck & Ralyn reach the Springs (behind the bush) from Different Directions

Water Splashes

The climb was as challenging as ever but we all made it up at different speeds of slow. At last, we were turning left onto the Mummy Springs / Toe Trail. We were snow free until we reached the field below the Mummy Springs Falls. And, ... yes ... dripping Mummy Springs was now a waterfall that flowed down the mountain from Mummy's Toe. Without spikes, we struggled in the steep icy wet snow that covered the field. Ralyn and I decided to climb through the thick aspens on the right side. This area had no snow but it did have one of the springs that flowed from underneath a large boulder. The ground below the spring was muddy so hiking through there was yet another challenge. Regardless, we all made it up to the waterfall for photos.

Six with Sticks at Mummy Springs & Snow Melt

Descent on Ridge Trail

It's still here!

Cabin or Shed Remnants next to Deer Creek

We took plenty of photos and enjoyed the view for a few minutes then started down. Getting down through the snow and aspens was slow but we all made it on our own chosen path. From there, we continued to return to the cars the same way we had come up. The creek was just as beautiful on the way down as it was on the way up! Picnickers were arriving as we hiked down through the area. Excellent hike! 

Stats: 4 miles; 1500' gain; 3 hours

Trail approach to Cougar Ridge Trail

Finishing down the Picnic Area Pavement 

Back up water before Deer Creek Road Culvert