Rich Creek Trail #616
Trail
6.8 mile
10.9 kilometer
point to point
Intermediate
Elevation
Ascent:
1,616'
493 m
Descent: -422' -129 m
High: 11,576' 3,528 m
Low: 9,966' 3,038 m
Grade
Avg Grade: 6% (3°)
Max Grade: 23% (13°)
Dogs
Off-leash
Weather
Unknown
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“A steady, gradual climb through forest and meadows.”
— Joshua Wells
Features
Birding · Fall Colors · River/Creek · Views · Wildflowers · Wildlife
Almost all of the hike is within the Buffalo Peaks Wilderness so please be mindful of wilderness restrictions posted on the parking lot sign.
Description
Parking is somewhat limited directly at the trailhead, but many people just park alongside the road if the little parking lot fills up and it's not a problem.
There is a wilderness map and registration list at the parking lot before you start, but really the trail is very well-defined and easy to follow. The trail consists mostly of dirt with the occasional root and rock. Water can be found nearby for at least 75% of the trail, so you definitely shouldn't have to worry too much about finding a solid water source.
You'll find that the elevation gain is very steady for the most part. There a few places where it is steeper than others, like any trail, but overall there aren't a ton of exceptionally flat areas. Once you get into the meadows (probably about half of the hike), you'll have nice views of the nearby ridges and peaks.
You may see a few other parties on the trail, but Buffalo Peaks Wilderness tends to be less popular than the nearby Collegiate Peaks so it can be very peaceful and secluded.
There is a wilderness map and registration list at the parking lot before you start, but really the trail is very well-defined and easy to follow. The trail consists mostly of dirt with the occasional root and rock. Water can be found nearby for at least 75% of the trail, so you definitely shouldn't have to worry too much about finding a solid water source.
You'll find that the elevation gain is very steady for the most part. There a few places where it is steeper than others, like any trail, but overall there aren't a ton of exceptionally flat areas. Once you get into the meadows (probably about half of the hike), you'll have nice views of the nearby ridges and peaks.
You may see a few other parties on the trail, but Buffalo Peaks Wilderness tends to be less popular than the nearby Collegiate Peaks so it can be very peaceful and secluded.
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We need help with the following missing trail information:
Family Friendly, ADA Accessible, Need to Know, Flora & Fauna
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Sep 3, 2017
Noelle Michel
Started at Rich Creek TH and walked in ~3.5 miles, camped and walked back the same way.
3.5mi
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