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Buffalo Meadows is located at the south end of the Mosquito Range at the base of a rock monolith. It is an example of a high mountain park with open areas of grasses and willows surrounded by forested mountains. The open character of this area provides number of good camping sites, good water, and the possibility to observe elk, deer, and bighorn sheep. Buffalo Meadows is a loop trail of 12 miles that follows two beautiful streams, Rich Creek and Rough and Tumbling Creek. How to get there: To reach the trailhead for Buffalo Meadows drive five miles south of Fairplay on US 285. Turn west on the Weston Pass Road (CR5). This gravel road continues some ten miles to the trailhead. At seven miles stay to the right at the fork in the road (you are now on CR22). At ten miles you will cross into the Pike National Forest marked by a fence and a cattle guard. Immediately after passing the cattle guard, there will be a parking area on the south side of the road and a sign indicating the South Fork of the South Platte River. This is the start of the trailhead, noted on the map as (P)1. Buffalo Meadow Loop: The trail starts by taking the footbridge across the South Fork and following the trail southwest for about 100 feet. Forest Service trails (FS617/616) intersect here and mark the beginning of the loop trail to Buffalo Meadows. If you want to do a day hike take the right trail (FS616) which parallels Rich Creek. This is the most scenic route. The trail: If you are backpacking take the left loop (FS617), this trail is hard to see, and the climb uphill is more gradual. You will hike over a ridge and in 1.5 miles you will reach Rough and Tumbling Creek. There are lots of beaver ponds and fishing is excellent along this creek. You will parallel Rough and Tumbling Creek for over a mile before intersecting with Lynch Creek and FS618; stay right and continue on FS617. Continue southwest and you will immediately cross Rough and Tumbling Creek: After crossing the creek you will enter a camp used by hunters during the fall. The trail starts uphill at this point and in .5 miles the trail crosses Rough and Tumbling Creek again. The trail continues southwest up a steep grade with heavy timber. There are a number of water cascades in the creek along this section of the trail. It is another mile of steep climbing before you reach the east end of Buffalo Meadows. As you progress through Buffalo Meadows you will find many possibilities for campsites and exploring, try the area noted on the map as Campsite 3, it is excellent. It is better to camp away from the main trail back towards the forest in one of the many small drainages. The forest surrounding the meadows is fairly open providing easy cross-country hiking. A good destination for a hike from your campsite is West Buffalo Peak, which can be climbed along the ridge from the south side of Buffalo Meadows. It is another 1.5 miles through the meadow. Water is readily available in several streams. If you wish to do the entire loop look for a trail (FS616) leaving through the saddle at the south end of the meadow. You will reach the saddle shortly, it is at 11,600\\\' elevation. As you descend on the Rich Creek side you will pass through some bogs. You will descend one mile before crossing Rich Creek. The loop trail will become steeper and begin a long turn towards the east. There are good views of South Park before it drops into the forest in the lower valley floor. You will exit at the same trailhead you entered.
Created on: 2024-09-07 21:36:49
Last edited by: rhall290472 On: 2024-09-25 14:58:57