Buffalo Creek Loops

Nestled in the mountains outside of Denver sits an expansive network of trails in Buffalo Creek. Scenic outcroppings and wide open views with smooth trails through ponderosa pines and unique burn areas create a wild yet peaceful environment.

The summer can be warm. Fall and Spring are great. The trails are sandy, tend to dry quickly, and many trail options exist. You can take this route in either direction. It may be potentially less uphill if you travel the route counter-clockwise. There are creeks in the area, but they are somewhat intermittent. The trail consists of small crushed granite and is easy to follow. There is good signage at the intersections, but they don't include mileage, so bring the Trail Run Project mobile app.

There is a fee station ($6) at the little Scraggy Trailhead. There are other entrances in the area. The area is popular with mountain bikers, so keep an eye (and an ear) out for them!

From the little Scraggy Trailhead head ($6) head out along the Colorado Trail. This is rolling and not steep, and you'll wind through pine forests. This section makes a nice warm up for about 5 miles as you head towards the Tramway #723. You'll pass the Shinglemill Trail #725 on the right, but keep on ahead to the Tramway #723.

Take Tramway #723 up towards Gashouse Gulch #726. You'll pass one dirt road, continue on the Tramway until you hit another dirt road after about 8 miles. Take a right, and follow for a very short distance. Gashouse Gulch #726 will be on your left.

You'll make a loop out of the Gashouse Gulch #726 and the Baldy Trail #727. Stay on Gashouse Gulch #726 for about 3.5 miles until you hit the Baldy Trail #727. You'll be on the Baldy Trail #727 for a little over 3 miles. For the descent, head back down the Baldy Trail #727 back to the road and the start of the Gashouse Gulch #726.

From here, you'll start in on your second loop. Head left on the road towards the Morrison Creek #724, which will be on the right. Stay on the Morrison Creek #724 until it meets up with the Shinglemill Trail #725 after about 2.5 miles.

This is a fun trail winding through sandstone boulders and hillsides. Stay right on Shinglemill Trail #725 and follow that back to the Colorado Trail.

Keep left on the Colorado Trail for about 2.25 miles to head back to the parking lot.

Pine forests open up into valleys characterized by their recovering burn areas.