Backpack – Buffalo Mountain Trailhead

Meet and park at Mesa Cortina Trailhead on Saturday morning at 8:00 AM.  The trip departs at 8:15 sharp.

From I-70 take Exit 205, Silverthorne / Dillon, and travel north on HWY 9 to the first traffic light at the intersection of Rainbow Drive / Wildernest Road. Turn left onto Wildernest Road / Ryan Gulch Rd.  Continue through two stoplights onto Buffalo Mountain Drive (passing Lowes).  After 0.8 miles, turn right onto Lakeview Drive. Travel 0.45 miles and turn left onto Aspen Drive.  The Mesa Cortina trailhead and parking area will be on your right in 0.15 miles.

Participants must contact and register with Leader - Dale Pfaff, (847) 504-6650, daletpfaff@gmail.com

The trails include Mesa Cortina (FDT 32), Gore Range (60), Meadow Creek (33), and Lilly Pad (50), and then returning back to Mesa Cortina and the parking area.  We start off at ~9,200 FAS and the highest elevation on the trail is ~ 11,900 FAS with a gross elevation gain/loss of 3,800'. 

Day 1 - We will head up the Gore Range Trail, stop by the South Willow Creek Falls, and then head up the camping area and upper lakes between Red Buffalo Pass and Eccles Pass (Mostly all uphill, 7.5 miles, ~2,750' gain).  We will camp there and possibly take a quick side trip to Red Buffalo Pass for some "Ahhh Views".  We will NOT be traversing over to Red Peak!! 

Day 2 - After breakfast, we can decide to head back down, say around 9:00 AM.  The remainder of the trip is mostly downhill (~ 11 miles), making stops along the way for "polaroid moments" and snacks.   We can take one last break at Lily Pad Lake before heading back to the parking area.  

The total trip length does not include side trips.