3-Day: Eccles Pass from Meadow Creek TH

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

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 Trailhead, hike good trail 3.6 miles/ 2,000' elevation gain. Make camp at a secluded but open campsite (11,250') with excellent views of mountains to the south.  Easy access to water.  Take a leisurely afternoon hike (1 mile, 600' elevation) to pretty mountain tarns around 11,800' below Deming Mountain.  Return to camp for the evening.

Day 2: Climb Buffalo Mountain. From camp, hike up the Meadow Creek Trail to Eccles Pass, turn east and follow the broad ridge over Eccles Peak and on to Buffalo Mountain (2.9 miles, 2,000' elevation gain).  Return to camp for the night.

Day 3: Hike back out.  If there is interest, take side-hike to Lily Pad Lake (0.8 miles).

Map: Meadow Creek trail to Buffalo Mountain - CalTopo 

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
• High Point: 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