The third segment of the Colorado Trail leads 13.5 miles west from the Buffalo Creek Area to the Rolling Creek Trailhead, which is immediately east of the Lost Creek Wilderness. The trail begins in the eastern section of the Buffalo Creek Mountain Bike Area. Approximately 10 miles of the trail leads through, and is part of, the mountain bike area, which means heavy mountain bike traffic during the weekends. So you may want to plan your trip accordingly.The eastern access to this segment of the trail lies at approximately 7920'. The terrain remain relatively level as you travel through the Buffalo Creek Area. The trail leads across 2 stream crossings, the second being Buffalo Creek. The entrance to the Meadows Group Campground will be immediately after the first crossing. This is where mountain bikers should leave the trail so as not to enter the Lost Creek Wilderness. The terrain gets somewhat steeper after Buffalo Creek. After Buffalo Creek the trail ascends from 7,400' to 8,200' before it descends to cross Wellington Lake Road (543). The Rolling Creek Trailhead is located about .25 miles beyond the road crossing.
Directions from Denver: Eastern Access: Drive south on Highway 285 past Conifer. Turn left on Foxton Road (County Road 97). Approximately 1.5 miles past Reynolds Park turn right on County Road 96 traveling toward Foxton. The next T road will be the junction with County Road 126. Turn left at the T and drive through Buffalo Creek. Continue approximately 5 miles to Forest Road 550. Turn right and the trailhead will be on your immediate right.
Directions from Colorado Springs: Eastern Access: Drive west on Highway 24 to Woodland Park. Turn right on Highway 67 toward Deckers. When you reach Deckers turn left on County Road 126. Follow 126 past Wigwam and Kelsey Campgrounds to Forest Road 550. Turn left on to 550 and the trailhead will be on your immediate right.
Directions from Denver: Western Access: Drive south on 285 to Bailey. In Bailey turn right on to County Road 68. This eventually turns into Forest Road 560. Pass Estabrook and continue traveling on 560 for approximately a mile to a fork in the road. Take the right for which is Wellington Lake Road #543. Drive about 3 miles to the Rolling Creek Trailhead on the western side of the road.
Directions from Colorado Springs: Western Access: Drive west on Highway 24 to Woodland Park. Turn right on Highway 67 toward Deckers. When you reach Deckers turn left on County Road 126. Follow 126 past Wigwam and Kelsey Campgrounds to Forest Road 550. Turn left on to 550 and follow it for to the second junction of with 543 (Wellington Lake Road). At the second junction of 550 and 543 turn left and travel 1.25 miles to the trailhead.
Seasonal Information:
Normally Open:
May through October .
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