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BPX 3-Day: Eccles Pass from Meadow Creek TH


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BPX 3-Day: Eccles Pass from Meadow Creek TH

This out and back includes an off-trail hike to Eccles Peak (12,320 ft.) in the Eagles Nest Wilderness. While the miles are not great, you gain 4,600 ft. over the course of the trip.

Camp two nights in the same spot, with a day hike in between to Eccles Pass, then Eccles Peak, and on to Buffalo Mountain (12,700 ft.). 

Suggested Backpacking Section (BPX) itinerary for 3-day trip to be used for CMC trips led by BPX leaders for BPX members:

Day 1: From the Meadow Creek TH, hike along the Meadow Creek Trail (#33) for about 3.8 miles (+2,119 / -34 ft.). Make camp at a secluded but open campsite (11,250 ft.) with excellent views of mountains to the south.  Easy access to water.  Take a leisurely afternoon hike to pretty mountain tarns at around 11,800' below Deming Mountain.  Return to camp for the evening.

Route: Day 1

Optional Day Hike: 2.1 miles, +-574 ft.

Day 2: Climb Eccles Peak (12,320 ft.). From camp, hike up the Meadow Creek Trail (#33) to Eccles Pass, turn east and follow the broad ridge to Eccles Peak.  Return to camp for the night (3.6miles, +-1,113 ft.).

Route: Day 2

Day 3: Hike back to the Meadow Creek TH (3.8 miles, +34 / -2,119 ft.).  If there is interest, take side-trip to Lily Pad Lake.

Route: Day 3

Optional Side Trip: Lily Pad Lake, 1.75 miles, +-362 ft.

Overall route: 7.7 miles, +-2,140 ft.

NOTES:

  1. Always practice Leave No Trace techniques.
  2. More information about Eagles Nest Wilderness is available here.
  3. CalTopo Map: Meadow Creek trail to Buffalo Mountain 
  4. Google Map Driving Directions: From the Colorado Mountain Club (Golden, CO) to the Meadow Creek TH.
  5. Directions to trailhead: From Wooly Mammoth Park and Ride in Morrison, head west on I-70. Take Frisco exit 203.  Continue half way around the roundabout to County Road 1231 running parallel to I-70 for 1/2 mile to the Meadow Creek Trailhead.  (50 miles)
  • Suitable Activities: Backpacking
  • Seasons: June, July, August, September, October
  • Weather: View weather forecast
  • Difficulty: Moderate
  • Length: 13.5 mi
  • Elevation Gain: 4,600 ft
  • 12,700 ft
  • Land Manager: U.S. Forest Service
    Eagles Nest Wilderness Area, Dillon Ranger District (WRNF)
  • Parking Permit Required: USFS Permits & Passes
  • Recommended Party Size: 6
  • Maximum Party Size: 12
  • Maximum Route/Place Capacity: 12
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  • 3-day: Meadow Creek Trail to Eccles Pass and climb Buffalo Peak
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