Deep Creek rises high in Colorado's White River Plateau in the White River National Forest northeast of the town of Carbonate, Colorado and west of Bison Lake.

The creek descends nearly 4,300 feet (1,300 meters) from Deep Lake downstream to its confluence with the Colorado River.

A 2015 report found that the portion of the creek that flows through the canyon is "suitable for inclusion in the National Wild and Scenic River System (listings maintained by the National Park Service of the United States Department of the Interior).

"[5] However, the creek canyon has not gained any new official recognition, but advocacy groups, such as American Rivers, continue to draw attention to Deep Creek Canyon, hoping that the United States Congress will eventually preserve and declare it a Wild and Scenic River.

The agency manages a day use area that offers fishing, wildlife viewing, and camping.