BPX 4-Day: Pawnee-Buchanan Loop from Long Lake TH

Suggested Backpacking Section (BPX) itinerary for 4-day trip to be used for CMC trips led by BPX leaders for BPX members: 

Day 1: Carpool and drive to the Long Lake TH. Hike north on the Pawnee Pass Trail (#907) for approximately 0.4 miles, at which point you will reach Mitchell Lake Rd. Cross the road and after about 200 feet turn right (east) on the CMC Cabin Cutoff Trail (909.2), then about 60 feet later turn left (north) on the Mitchell Lake TH Connector Trail (909.3).  Continue to follow the Mitchell Lake TH Connector Trail (909.3) for about 0.3 miles until reaching the Mitchell Lake TH Parking Lot.

In the Mitchell Lake TH Parking Lot, head north to the Beaver Creek TH. Hike north on the Beaver Creek Trail (#911). After approximately 5.2 miles on the Beaver Creek Trail (#911) you will reach the Coney Flats TH. From the Coney Flats TH, continue to follow the Beaver Creek Trail (#911) west for an additional 1.6 miles, then turn right (north) on the Buchanan Pass Trail (#910). Follow the Buchanan Pass Trail (#910) for about 0.75 miles, then turn left (west) on the Red Deer Cutoff Trail (824) and hike for about 0.6 miles until you reach Red Deer Lake. (8.9 miles, +1,943 / -2,099 ft.)

Route Day 1

Day 2: From Red Deer Lake, hike south on the Red Deer Cutoff Trail (824) for about 0.6 miles, then turn right (south) on the Buchanan Pass Trail (#910). After about 0.75 miles on the Buchanan Pass Trail (910) turn right (west) to continue on the Buchanan Pass Trail (#910). Follow the Buchanan Pass Trail (910) for approximately 5.25 miles, then turn right (north) on the Gourd Lake Trail (#2) and follow it 2.1 miles to Gourd Lake. (8.75 miles, +1,767 / -2,564 ft.)

Route Day 2

Day 3: From Gourd Lake, hike south on the Gourd Lake Trail (#2) for about 2.1 miles, then turn right (west) on the Buchanan Pass Trail (#910). After another 2.1 miles on the Buchanan Pass Trail (#910), turn left (east) on the Cascade Creek Trail (#1). Follow the Cascade Creek Trail (#1) for 3.9 miles to Crater Lake. Camp at one of the designated sites. (8.1 miles, +1,711 / -2,207 ft.)

Route Day 3

Day 4: From Crater Lake, hike north on the Cascade Creek Trail (#1) for 1.1 miles, then turn right (north) on the Pawnee Pass Trail (#907). Follow the Pawnee Pass Trail (#907) for approximately 7.5 miles back to the Long Lake TH (8.7 miles, +2,508 / -2,334 ft.)

Route Day 4

Overall Route: 34.4 miles, +-9,098 ft.

NOTE(S):

1. Always practice Leave No Trace techniques.
2. More information about the Indian Peaks Wilderness is available here.
3. Please view this document with everything you need to know about Indian Peaks Wilderness
4. Permits are required for overnight stays in the Indian Peaks Wilderness (IPW) from June 1 to September 15.Additional permit requirements exist for large and organized groups. Car passes are also required for the trailheads in the Recreation Area. The car passes can be obtained at the Forest Service office in Granby or at the self-serve kiosks at the entrance to the Recreation Area.
5. Driving Directions: From the Colorado Mountain Club (Golden, CO) to the Long Lake TH.

• Suitable Activities: Backpacking
• Seasons: July, August, September
• Weather: View weather forecast

• Difficulty: Difficult
• Length: 34.4 mi
• Elevation Gain: 9,098 ft
• High Point: 12,547 ft

• Land Manager: U.S. Forest Service
  Indian Peaks Wilderness Area
• Parking Permit Required: USFS Permits & Passes
• Recommended Party Size: 5
• Maximum Party Size: 12
• Maximum Route/Place Capacity: 12