San Isabel National Forest
Buffalo Peaks Wilderness Area

The Buffalo Peaks Wilderness, encompassing 43,410 acres, was designated by Congress in 1993 in the Colorado Wilderness Act of 1993. The name comes from the thirteen thousand foot Buffalo Peaks, located about 15 miles SW of Fairplay, Colorado. Elevations range from 9,200 feet to 13,326 feet. This area differs from the surrounding wildernesses by virtue of its high potential for solitude.

Conifers and aspens intermingle with rolling meadows full of grasses and wildflowers. The fall color display is spectacular. The dark double summits of Buffalo Peaks are two highly eroded volcanic mountains. They were active some 28 million yeas ago when uplifting stressed and cracked the earth’s surface. These aspects offer wonderful experiences for all levels of naturalists.

• Permits: All profit and non-profit groups of 10 or more are required to obtain a special use permit through the local ranger district office in advance of their trip.
• Group Size: Group Size is limited to 15. Stock groups are limited to 25 with a maximum of 15 people.
• Weather: Weather patterns change quickly. Warm sunny days can turn into powerful electrical storms. Be knowledgeable of the signs of change and be prepared for cold temperatures, rain and snow, even in August.
• Recommended Maps:
  National Forest Map: San Isabel, Pike.
  Trails Illustrated: Buena Vista Collegiate Peaks, Leadville Fairplay.
  USGS Quads: Leadville South, Mt. Sherman, Granite, Harvard Lakes, South Peak, Jones Hill, Buena Vista.
• Trails: Please stay on the trails where they are present. Cutting switchbacks and avoiding wet and muddy sections can cause severe erosion and multiple paths. For individuals traveling cross country, remember that alpine tundra is very susceptible to damage. Walk on durable routes of rock or talus when possible. In areas where this is not possible disperse your use so that no two footsteps land on the same spot. In keeping with the character of wilderness, where risk and self-reliance are a part of the experience, map and route finding skills are essential.
• Trailheads:
  San Isabel National Forest:
  Accessed from Highway 24: Hayden Gulch Road (FDR 396): End of road at Wilderness Boundary. Four wheel drive access only.
  Low Pass Road (FDR 149): End of road. Four wheel drive access only.
  Four Mile Trail (Chaffee County Road 375): Located at end of road. Four wheel drive necessary for last 1 mile of road.
  Pike National Forest:
  Accessed from Hwy 285: Weston Pass Road: Rough and Tumble Creek, Rich Creek
  Forest Development Road 431: Lynch Creek
  Forest Development Road 435: Salt Creek.