I have been exploring the trails near Catalina and decided on this one because I wanted to see if I could find the base of the route to Samaniego Peak via the West Ridge. Parked where the Middle Gate Tr. takes off from the road and took that to the Deer Camp trail. I was glad I had the track loaded into my GPS because there are so many unmarked trails in the area. The trail to Deer Camp is a rutted path along a fall line, but the climb up to the camp was made much easier since there was cloud cover all morning. Great views of Pusch Ridge and Cathedral Rock. Encountered a rattler curled-up on the trail who sped away without rattling before I could take a picture. Even though I knew there were going to be two spring beds and a wooden picnic table at the camp, it was still funny to come across these things in the middle of nowhere: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=aWw4VINHTEE

There is piping and a couple of concrete tanks, but no water at the camp. The camp was built in 1961 and the views would have been very different then- no giant pink sprawling Saddlebrooke. I think I was on the wrong side of the ridge to find the route to the peak, but I could see where one could bushwhack to attain the ridgeline. I took a long break until the clouds started to burn off. When the sun came out, I could see shiny streams of water coming off Samaniego Ridge. I didn't have a track for the loop, so I went back the way I came. Deer Camp would be a fun destination for a short backpacking trip, I hear there is a spring that is farther up the drainage that I'll have to check out some other time.