Buckwater Draw

Rangely, CO

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Buckwater Draw

This hike drops down into the solitude of the Bull Canyon Wilderness Study Area on an old ranch road now closed to public motorized use. Cattle still graze here. The trail starts in sagebrush then enters a nice juniper forest. As you lose elevation, beautiful views of slickrock cliffs appear. After four miles, this hike follows Buckwater Draw upstream for one mile via cattle paths and creek bottom into a canyon that shrinks to very steep, tight walls. This last part is subject to flash floods so keep an eye on the weather. The return is uphill so be sure to have enough water!

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Driving Directions

Note: driving directions are approximate.

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Directions to: Buckwater Draw

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Trail Statistics & Information

ActivityHiking
Nearby CityRangely
Length10 mi
Elevation Gain1,600 ft
Skill LevelDifficult
Duration4 - 7 hours
SeasonBest from April through November; avoid hot summer days
Trailhead Elevation7,640 ft
Top Elevation7,640 ft
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