Set aside by U.S. Congress in 1993, Buffalo Peaks Wilderness is a wilderness area in central Colorado.  The area is named for the 13,000 foot-high volcanic mountains, East Buffalo Peak and West Buffalo Peak.  The area lacks soaring heights and jagged mountain landscapes and is perhaps not as photogenic as other wilderness areas in Colorado, but Buffalo Peaks Wilderness Area more than makes up for it in solitude and rolling alpine beauty. 

Indeed, solitude may be the main draw of Buffalo Peaks.  The area is far from major population centers, so chances are, you will be able to enjoy the wide-open meadows, beaver ponds, small creeks and pine forests in quiet isolation.  (we only saw a couple other hikers during two days in Buffalo Meadows, for example)

Hiking, backpacking, wildlife viewing and fishing are the main activities.  Bikes and other forms of mechanical transport are not allowed in wilderness areas.

What to Do There

If your interest is in hiking, there are several trails to choose from that will take you up to the high altitude meadows of Buffalo Peaks Wilderness.  The Rich Creek Trailhead on FR 425 (CR 5) allows access to Rich Creek Trail and Tumble Creek Trail.  Rich Creek Trail is the most direct route and heads west from the trailhead along Rich Creek.  Several miles of hiking will see you to the meadows and the complex series of beaver ponds.  

You can also hike to Buffalo Meadows from the southern Tumble Creek Trail trailhead, which starts just north of Buena Vista on FR 375.  Although this trailhead is well outside the wilderness boundary, four or five miles of hiking (along Fourmile Creek) will bring you up to Buffalo Pass and eventually to Buffalo Meadows.  

For backpackers and overnighters, Buffalo Meadows offers many hidden campsites away from the trail. Finding an already-established campsite and fire ring is the best course of action, and you shouldn’t have any problem here.  

Many visitors to the wilderness area climb the namesake peaks, East and West Buffalo Peaks.  No, they’re not fourteeners, but they do give some unparalleled views of the Collegiate Peaks, Park and Lake counties, and on a clear day, even Pikes Peak.  

(view from slope of West Buffalo Peak)

With its remote location and few crowds, Buffalo Peaks is home to abundant wildlife.  You may run across deer, elk, beavers, moose and mountain goats during your stay.  (we saw some moose and mountain goats without even trying)  The area is also home to a large population of bighorn sheep.  Fishing is another popular activity, with the best spots usually in the beaver ponds along Rich Creek.  

Recommended Routes

For day hikers, Rich Creek Trail is your best bet.  The trail follows Rich Creek to the west and crosses the creek several times in the first mile.  The trail turns moderately steep and rocky as it follows the creek up a canyon to the meadows, but for the most part Rich Creek Trail offers easy walking.  

For backpackers that want to see more of the wilderness, you can make a 13-mile loop out of Tumble Creek Trail and Rich Creek Trail.  Get the steeper sections out of the way on the first day and start down Tumble Creek Trail.  Tumble Creek Trail climbs steadily over a ridge and then drops down to follow Rough and Tumbling Creek.   Then you have a fairly steep climb up a canyon to Buffalo Meadows.  Make camp in Buffalo Meadows where Tumble Creek Trail meets Rich Creek Trail.  When you decide to leave, you’ll have an easy downhill hike on Rich Creek Trail to the trailhead.  

If you decide to climb the Buffalo Peaks, don’t waste your time looking for a marked trail.  There are no trails to the summits, but the recommended route starts from Buffalo Pass on the south side of Buffalo Meadows.  From Buffalo Pass, make your way to the east through the forest and eventually you will hit timberline.  Don’t fall for the false summit just east of the pass though, as you will just have to come back down on the other side.  Instead skirt around the false summit to the south, and then make your way to the top of West Buffalo Peak.  (it’s helpful to make your own switchbacks)  The west and east peaks are connected by a narrow saddle of rock, but it looks worse than it is.  Stay on the south side of the rocks on your way to the East Buffalo Peak summit. 

Trail Condition / Difficulty

In Buffalo Meadows and Rich Creek Meadows, the trails consist mostly of level, easy walking.  In some places you may find that the trail has sunk into the grass and runs in a several-inch depression, which can make walking more challenging. There are some steep and rocky sections along Rough and Tumbling Creek and Rich Creek as you climb through canyons to the meadows.  Also keep in mind that the trails in this area are between 10,000 and 11,000 feet, so be prepared to be out of breath if you are not used to high altitudes.  

In springtime and during periods of heavy rainfall, trails in Buffalo and Rich Creek Meadows may turn boggy and impassible.  In fact, even in August (when I was last there) some spots can take creative footwork (i.e. have waterproof boots, or get ready for wet feet).

How to Get There

Buffalo Peaks Wilderness Area is a short jaunt from Buena Vista or Fairplay on Highway 285.  Heading south on 285 from Fairplay, take CR 5 to the southwest.  Stay on CR 5 until you come to an obvious fork, and then take FR 425 to the right until you come to the Rich Creek Trailhead.  Coming from the south on 285, you can shave off a few miles by taking CR 22 (may also be labeled FR 429) to the west and then turning left at the CR 5 / FR 425 junction.