The Buffalo Creek Recreation Area is about an hour drive from Woodland Park. The area is also about 1,000 feet lower, so in springtime it tends to be warmer and more snow-free than Teller County. The area contains parts of the giant 1996 Buffalo Creek Wildfire burn scar, so the open sunny landscape further reduces snow levels while providing expansive views. This Baldy-Gashouse loop helps hikers explore some lesser-known nooks and crannies of the BCRA.

From Deckers, continue northward on County Road 126. Drive along the winding paved mountain road for about 11 miles to Forest Service Road 550 and turn left. Travel for about four miles on the dirt road to where the Tramway Trail crosses the road and some limited parking is available.

Begin hiking northward on the Tramway Trail for about .75 mile to South Buffalo Creek Road/Trail. Bear right on the old road, following a nice stretch along the willow-lined creek and passing some decorative granite outcrops and aspen groves. After about a half mile reach a sign on the left for Baldy and Gashouse Gulch Trails. Turn left and switchback up for about a quarter mile to where the trail splits. Make a note of this spot as the loop portion will return here via Gashouse Gulch Trail on the left.

Bear right to begin the loop on the Baldy Trail, hiking north and west through groovy granite outcrops that surround the Baldy Peak formation. Be aware of a tricky spot across a large bare rock where the trail route is outlined with lines of fallen logs. After about 3.5 miles and a steady climb of about 1000 feet the Baldy Trail connects to the other end of Gashouse Gulch Trail.

Turn left and hike southward on Gashouse downhill through open Ponderosa Pine woodland and aspen groves. After about 1.75 miles reach a signed parking area and cut left to continue on Gashouse. Travel east and north through the burn landscape littered with lumpy rocks and providing some nice views of the gray granite dome of Baldy Peak to the north. After about 1.5 miles reach Baldy Trail, closing the loop portion of the hike. Turn right and retrace the route back to South Buffalo Creek then to Tramway Trail, returning to Road 550 and the Tramway parking area after about another 1.5 miles.

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Joe LaFleur is a hiking enthusiast that hits the trails weekly. He has successfully summited over 150 unique 13ers and 14ers in Colorado. Contact Joe with questions or feedback at joe@betterbirdwatching.com. Hiking is great exercise but can be hazardous. Always be sure to plan well, check the weather, bring a printed map, tell someone where and when you are going and contact them n you return safely.

BOX

PARK: Pike National Forest- Buffalo Creek Recreation Area

BEST TIMES TO VISIT: March through November

TRAILS: Tramway, South Buffalo Creek, Baldy, Gashouse Gulch

LENGTH: About 10.0 miles and about 2000 feet elevation gain

DIFFICULTY: Easy to moderate on terrain, difficult on distance

NOTES: Icy and snowy conditions in spring and late fall may require microspikes, snow may also inhibit access to roads and trails. Be alert for bike traffic. In summer the trails tend to be less crowded in early morning hours. Trails are well-signed and for a helpful trail map visit
https://www.jeffco.us/DocumentCenter/View/14153/Buffalo-Creek-region-brochure