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A mostly forested trail, with stream crossings and beautiful meadows.


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Map Key

8.0

Miles

12.9

KM

94%

Runnable

9,631' 2,936 m

High

9,181' 2,798 m

Low

918' 280 m

Up

921' 281 m

Down

4%

Avg Grade (2°)

25%

Max Grade (14°)

Dogs Leashed

Features Fall Colors · River/Creek · Wildflowers · Wildlife

Overview

This route takes you through grassy meadows overlooking Silverthorne and follows a beautiful creek through the forest, ending with views of Buffalo Mountain up close.

Runner Notes

There are many game trails and private property trails, so make sure to stay on the main Mesa Cortina Trail. It's also very popular in the summer, so if you're looking for solitude this is not the place.

Description

From the trailhead, follow the Mesa Cortina Trail right down the first split, through meadows and skirting the edge of the forest. To your right, you'll have views of Silverthorne and Ptarmigan Mountain. Eventually, the trail leaves the meadow and takes you into the forest. You'll cross a few small creeks and see private trails off to the right, continue straight until you reach the Gore Range Trail.

Turn left, onto the Gore Range Trail, and follow it west towards Buffalo and Red Mountains. Eventually, you'll cross South Willow Creek, continue following it on your left until you reach a large meadow with Buffalo Mountain's steep face up above to the left. Continue up the hill until you reach the split for South Willow Falls Crossover. If you choose to continue on, South Willow Falls Crossover is a cool little waterfall and is only a couple miles further.

Flora & Fauna

Beautiful wildflowers, pine trees and meadows. Watch out for moose!

Contacts

Shared By:

Chelsea Gribbin

Trail Ratings

  4.3 from 18 votes

#1090

Overall
  4.3 from 18 votes
5 Star
33%
4 Star
61%
3 Star
6%
2 Star
0%
1 Star
0%
Recommended Route Rankings

#220

in Colorado

#1,090

Overall
17 Views Last Month
6,653 Since Mar 14, 2015
Intermediate Intermediate

13%
0%
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6%
6%
0%

Photos

I stopped in the meadow and had lunch.
Jun 15, 2016 near Silvert…, CO
Running towards Buffalo Mountain on Mesa Cortina trail.
Mar 14, 2015 near Silvert…, CO

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Weather


Current Trail Conditions

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Add Your Check-In

Check-Ins

Nov 26, 2021
Annie Peuquet
Great run! Space for long strides and great views up close to Buffalo Peak. 7.7mi
Dec 29, 2020
Veronica Gruning
Aug 20, 2018
Aaron Stewart
traverse to copper mountain 20.8mi
Jul 15, 2018
Kayleen Castelli
Dec 29, 2017
Karen Gross
super snowy and very hard footing. but absolutely beautiful. 5mi
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