Buffalo Meadows Loop

Breckenridge, CO

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Buffalo Meadows Loop

The Buffalo Meadows Loop is a somewhat long but very pleasant day hike that will take you through an interesting variety of mountain ecosystems. The route starts at the South Fork of the South Platte River and follows Rich Creek, a smaller tributary, to its headwaters. It then crosses a gentle alpine pass and drops down into the wide grassy valley known as Buffalo Meadows. From there the trail follows the Rough and Tumbling Creek down into a gorgeous riparian area that includes numerous beaver dams and lodges. Finally, the trail climbs up over the ridge that separates Rough and Tumbling Creek from the South Fork South Platte and returns to the trailhead.

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Driving Directions

Note: driving directions are approximate.

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Directions to: Buffalo Meadows Loop

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Trail Statistics & Information

ActivityHiking
Nearby CityBreckenridge
Length11.4 mi
Elevation Gain1,900 ft
Skill LevelWell marked, easy to follow.
Duration7.5 hours
SeasonMidsummer through mid-fall. The higher parts of the trail are usually covered with snow from November through early July.
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