Reasons to Visit Buffalo Creek Wilderness
Less visited campsites in Colorado can be found at the Buffalo Creek Wilderness near Bailey. The area gets its name from the 13,000-foot Buffalo Peaks that can be spotted in nearby Fairplay. Here, there are two eroded volcanic mountains that were active 28 million years ago. Today, the area is home to some of the greenest spots in the state with conifers, aspens, open meadows and wildflowers in summer months.
Here are 5 Reasons this spot is tops.
1. No I-70 Traffic
People needing an escape from the city always seem to have the same complaint: slow moving I-70 traffic. To get to Buffalo Creek, you will need to take Highway 285, which can also have its share of traffic on its worst days but definitely moves quicker than I-70.
2. Free Campsites
There are several campsites with easy access throughout the open space. Dirt roads spur off highways leading to secluded campsites with easy access to your car, making for an easy set up.
3. Easy Trail Access
The Colorado Trail runs through Buffalo Creek, making sure bikers and hikers can get their fitness fix. Plus, at nearby Wellington Lake find the Castle Trail. This is a privately owned area and costs $15 a car to enter, but if you are looking for a more traditional out and back hike, it’s worth the spend. The trail can be tough to navigate and is summited via rock climbing, but there are plenty of overlooks and a waterfall along the way that make it a great trail.
4. Get off the Grid
One of the best parts about camping is the solitude and having no cell service helps the feeling seek in. In case you need to check in with anyone, campsites are about a 10 minute drive back to cell range.
5. Wildlife Viewing
Bears, mountain lions, Ospreys, here you will find Colorado’s entire catalogue of wildlife here.
Getting There: Take US Highway 285 West from Denver Towards Bailey. Turn Left of County Road 68 in the heart of Bailey for 15 miles all the way to Wellington Lake. Here, find a park ranger station with maps of the wilderness area, campsites and trails.
