Buffalo Peaks Wilderness

Fairplay , Colorado

Description:

The loop through the Buffalo Peaks Wilderness, is a moderately difficult trail with 2 significant climbs totaling 2,300 feet up to mountain meadows. The trail follows Rich Creek through groves of aspen until the climb to the valley. It then dives into a fir forest until dipping back into another valley, meeting back up with the creek for the remainder of the hike. There’s a chance to see moose, elk, mule deer and black bears. With this trip being in the fall, nights can get chilly. Packing extra layers is recommended. 

Itinerary- Backpacking

  • 9am:Meet up at Rich Creek Trail Head (high clearance vehicle not necessary). Look for STWA flag! Go over gear, assemble packs, Leave No Trace discussion.

    10am: Hit the trail

    Distance: 7 miles

    Elevation gain: 2,300 ft

    The trail head is relatively remote but very popular. For this time of year, here will be a few day hikers, but even fewer backpackers. We’ll hike to the mountain meadows and stop there for lunch. Then continue through a fir forest to another valley to our campsite to settle in, relax and enjoy for the rest of the night.

  • Elevation Loss: 1,500 ft

    No hard start time in the morning. We’ll get up, make breakfast and camp coffee and pack up gear. Then hike the remaining 5 miles out.

    Lunch at South Park Brewing

 Trip Details & Logistics

    • Gear: including multi-day pack, cooking implements, top of the line 1 person backpacking tent, sleeping pad, and Synthetic 20 degree sleeping bag (professionally laundered after every use) See link for full list of supplied gear.

    • Trekking poles

    • Meals: Breakfast on second day, lunch both days and dinner.

    • Backpacking guide with years of hiking and backcountry experience and Wilderness First Responder Certification. Guide also carries Garmin In-Reach for emergency communication.

    • Lessons in Leave No Trace Principles

    • Ursak and bear spray

    • Transportation to/from trail head from Steamboat

    • First aid kit

    • Kula cloth- yours to keep

    • Lots of nature!

    • Airfair/travel to Colorado

    • Transportation to the trail head

    • Sturdy hiking boots or shoes

    • Clothing; layers

    • Personal hygiene items; Rx medications, sunscreen, feminine products, contact solution/case, tooth brush and tooth paste, lip balm with SPF

    • You can view the full details of the trip and the packing list here.

    • Any and all dietary restrictions can be accommodated for (gluten free, vegan, vegetarian, egg allergy, nut allergy)

    • GoodTo-Go Dehydrated Meals for dinner

    • High protein snacks

    • If you have something you want in particular, let us know

    • Deuter womens multi-day pack (60-70 liter)

    • Kelty or Mountain Smith 1 person backpacking tent

    • Kelty or Mountain Smith 30 degree synthetic sleeping bag

    • Cooking stove and supplies

    • REI Flash Sleeping Pad

    • Backpacking pillow

    • Ursak bear bag

    • Bear spray

    • Black Diamond headlamp

    • Trowel and toilet paper

  • Weather in the Colorado mountains is unpredictable. During the early fall, temperatures can fluctuate form 70 degrees during the day to 30 degrees at night. Making sure to have appropriate clothing packed is important as the trip will not be cancelled due to weather.

    Below are the average temperatures for weather in the rocky mountain backcountry.

    September:

    Low 30-40F

    High 70F

    October:

    Low: 20-30F

    High: 50-60F