About this campground
Along this trail you have an option of a shorter hike to some log cabin ruins or continuing up the trail to the top of Buffalo Mountain at 12,274 ft. The trail begins by winding through a lodgepole pine forest and eventually leads you by the remains of two historic log cabins with only the foundations remaining. Please leave all artifacts at the cabin ruins for others to enjoy. The trail climbs steeply into the alpine where you can occasionally see mountain goats. Even though the goats may seem used to human presence, for your safety please do not approach the animals or feed them. Once on top of Buffalo Mountain you will have spectacular 360 degree views of the surrounding mountains. * There is a printable Recreation Quicksheet for this trail which is complete with directions, a map, details, and other information about this trail. Or to see quicksheets for other recreation areas across the Forest, click on the "Recreation Quicksheets" link in the right column and select the appropriate Ranger District. ***NOT RECOMMENDED FOR HIKING WITH DOGS. Trail climbs steeply through rock talus field where dogs can injure their pads.
Getting there
From I-70 take Exit 205, Silverthorne/Dillon, and travel north on HWY 9 and turn left at the first traffic light, Rainbow Drive/Wildernest Road. Travel 3.6 miles on Wildernest Road (turns into Ryan Gulch Road). You will pass many condos and at the top of the road there will be a trailhead parking area on the left. There are two trailheads at this parking area, be sure to start at the Buffalo Cabin Trailhead.
Activities
- HIKING
Nearby federal campgrounds
Explore more Colorado camping
Buffalo Cabin/Buffalo Mountain #31 doesn't take campsite reservations — but plenty of nearby Colorado campgrounds do, and we'll alert you the moment a sold-out site opens up.
Browse Colorado camping →Details from Recreation.gov's official RIDB catalog. Conditions change — confirm with the managing office before you go. Not affiliated with Recreation.gov or any federal agency.