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BPX 3-Day: Rich, Rough, and Tumbling Creeks from Rich Creek TH


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BPX 3-Day: Rich, Rough, and Tumbling Creeks from Rich Creek TH

This moderate 13-mile backpacking loop makes for a peaceful 3 day trip in the Buffalo Peaks Wilderness south of Fairplay. Willows, aspens, meadows, surrounding peaks, and beaver dams await. Beginning with a gradual ascent along Rich Creek then merging with the mostly downhill Rough and Tumbling Creek Trail, this route offers an enjoyable option for those seeking a more leisurely high-country outing.

Suggested Backpacking Section (BPX) itinerary for 3-day trip to be used for CMC trips led by BPX leaders for BPX members: Note: The loop can be accessed from the Rich Creek Trailhead or Lynch Creek Trailhead. This route starts at Rich Creek. 

Day 1: Drive to Rich Creek TH (approx. 2hrs) and start hiking west along Rich Creek Trail #616. Steady ascent along the creek, forest most of the way. Hike for approx. 3.0 miles. Ascent will be about 1200ft. Find camping.  A few steep, rocky, sections will make you huff and puff!

Day 2: Continue hiking up Rich Creek Trail. Trail continues to ascend for about 700 ft over the next couple of miles before starting to descend. You will descend for about 2 miles to the junction with the Rough and Tumbling Creek Trail #617. Find camping in Buffalo Meadows near the trail junction – turn right on #617 to find the Meadows. (total for day 5 miles/ 700 ft)

Day 3: Complete the descent along Rough and Tumbling Creek Trail #617 for the final approx. 5 miles to the TH. Be sure to stay to the left when you reach the intersection with the Lynch Creek trail. Descent is about 1,500 ft with a small up and down as you near the TH. (5miles/ 1,500ft descent, 450 ft climb).

Overall Route

Driving Directions: Directions from Weston Pass Road: The easiest access to Rich Creek Trail is from Forest Developed Road 425. Approximately one mile southeast of the Weston Pass Campground on Weston Pass Road is a trailhead for Rich Creek and Rough & Tumbling Creek Trails. Park in the lot provided, cross the stream on the footbridge and follow the trail to the right (up stream).

  • Difficulty: Moderate
  • Length: 13.0 mi
  • Elevation Gain: 2,400 ft
  • 11,585 ft
  • Land Manager: U.S. Forest Service
    Buffalo Peaks Wilderness Area, South Park Ranger District (PSINF)
  • Parking Permit Required: USFS Permits & Passes
  • Recommended Party Size: 7
  • Maximum Party Size: 12
  • Maximum Route/Place Capacity: 12
Map
  • Trails Illustrated 110
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  • BPX 2-Day: Rich, Rough, and Tumbling Creeks from Rich Creek TH
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