Buffalo Mountain Loop - Eagles Nest Wilderness

This was supposed to be an overnight backpack outing, at 13.4 miles, it is on the edge of long day hike or an easier overnight trip, but schedules and responsibilities obviously dictated this to be a long day hike. Denver was foretasted to be near 100 so a trip up the the highcountry would be perfect. The trailhead was just outside of Silverthorne, so an early rise, up I-70, through the Eisenhower Tunnel and navigating an unfamiliar road in the dark was what was needed to hit this trail, get back to Denver and be done by late afternoon. Yeah, take a deep breath, more that would be taken on trail, as this was a tall order!

The loop begins near Silverthorne and goes around Buffalo Mountain, a prominent feature in the Eagles Nest Wilderness. The route was in a counterclockwise direction, highly recommended, and had a elevation gain and loss of 3,000' as the climb went up and over treeline at Eccles Pass. There is plenty of exposure before and after Eccles Pass.

The north side of the pass was incredible, a high alpine shelf worthy of exploration in and of itself with plenty of space for making camp, water sources and views. Juts before the pass there is a trail split that takes you over an adjacent pass to Vail, another trail we'll need to look into.

All in all an excellent trail with wildflowers, creeks, views and opportunities for camping. The Frisco side of the trail has lots of beetle kill and endless climbing if headed up clockwise. The counterclockwise direction began at the Buffalo Mountain trailhead and followed the Buffalo Cabin, South Willow Falls, Gore Range (CDT), Meadow Creek and Lilly Pad Lake trails.

After the South Willow Falls cutoff and up to Eccles Pass on the Gore Range trail was the most spectacular, though the wildflowers just after the pass heading back down were incredible. This is an amazing loop in the eagles Nest Wilderness that we highly recommend. If doing an overnight trip park at the Eccles Pass / Meadow Creek trailhead as there is no overnight parking at Buffalo Mountain trailhead.

This is also a great trail for those coming from out of state. Fly into Denver International Airport, use the A-Line trail to get to Denver Union Station, take the Bustang Bus to Frisco and then the Summit Stage Bus to the Buffalo Mountain Trailhead. Finding water was no issue, though in late July the mosquitoes were out in force. Always check the weather before heading over treeline and filter water form any source. A self issue permit (at the trailhead) is required for overnight stays in the eagles Nest Wilderness. We will be doing a review of the Buffalo Mountain TH in our series, Airport to the Alpine.

[RodKrisBisdakMotovlog]

Wow such great and awesome vidz my friend. It is very beautiful place to see my friend. Keep it up and more vidz to come.

[KUEHLKUEST]

These views do not get old and we love to watch you hike through all the different landscapes. The wildflowers were so beautiful ! Totally would be a great overnight like you stated. Cheers C & J Say hi to Debbie :)

[tangenttrails]

Wow!
I can’t recall ever seeing this area.
Eye popping after eye popping views.
Makes me want to move back to have nice places like these in my backyard. Thanks for reminding this ole flatlander what I’m missing.✌️

[joanlocke]

This may be our starting trail before we hit segment 6&7 next week. Looks beautiful!!!

[TomJones]

How long did it take ya to make this Hike, MAN I would love to do this.... But I don't think my Old Dog would make it.. Nor my knees! But DAMN what Views!!! I may put this one on my bucket list too.. NICE HIKE!!! Thank You!!!