Hiking – Buffalo Mountain Trail Loop over Eccles pass

This 13.7 mile route travels on-trail through forest and above timberline. The total elevation gain is almost 3,500’ for the day. We’ll park at the Meadow Creek TH at 9,140’ and follow the Meadow Creek Trail north to Eccles Pass (11,915’) before continuing down the Gore Range Trail, across the Buffalo Cabin Trail, and back to the start on the Lily Pad Lake Trail. We’ll be above timberline for a bit, so please bring appropriate layers (including sun protection and a rain jacket) for hiking at altitude. There is easy water access below timberline if you choose to treat your water; alternatively, please plan on 3 liters if you will be carrying from the trailhead.

This hike is anticipated to take roughly 8 hours to complete, although our actual time may be different based on weather, strength of the group, length and frequency of stops, and other factors.

If you’d like more info about the route, please check out the links below. This route travels through the Eagles Nest Wilderness within the Dillon Ranger District in Arapaho National Forest.

More information:

Weather: Link to weather.gov for Eccles Pass
Map: Link to CalTopo for route
Trail info: Hiking Project
Trail info: All Trails

We will carpool from the Wooly Mammoth Park-n-Ride next to the Morrison exit on I-70 (Section BB, across from the Exxon station – bathrooms are often out of service) for a 6:00 AM departure. Please arrive a few minutes early to arrange carpools.

Our hike will start at the Meadow Creek Trailhead in Frisco (Exit 203 from I-70). No facilities at trailhead. Link for Google Maps. Our goal is to start hiking a little around 7:00 AM.

CMC suggests that all occupants of a vehicle share the costs of driving. Based on a reimbursement rate of $0.32 per mile, the total amount for the 114-mile roundtrip drive via I-70 is about $36 per vehicle. This cost typically is divided by the total number of people in the vehicle, including the driver.