Gore Range Trail to Meadow Creek Trail Loop

Hikes are always subject to date/time change or cancellation due to weather, trail conditions or closures, or other unforeseen circumstances. This will be a group hike, where everyone will wait at all trail junctions and the group pace will only be as fast as our slowest hiker, so no one hikes on their own for safety reasons. Plan on a moderate moving pace of about 2.5 mph with stops for pics, snacks, etc.

Difficulty: about 13 miles with about 3,000 feet elevation gain. Highest elevation is about 12,000 feet.

HIKE DESCRIPTION: This hike is new for me, but I have done portions of this hike before. This is a loop hike that goes into the Eagles Nest Wilderness and around the base of Buffalo Mountain in Silverthorne. We will take a side trail to Willow Creek Falls and pass some lakes including Lily Pad Lake. Please plan to take side trails to the waterfall, lakes, etc. See the following hike in Alltrails: https://www.alltrails.com/trail/us/colorado/gore-range-trail-to-meadow-creek-trail-loop

DOGS: Not allowed.

ADDRESS/DIRECTIONS: We will meet at the Buffalo Mountain Trailhead. The best way to get there is to use the alltrails link above and click directions. Alternatively if you use google maps, you can type in “Buffalo Mountain Trailhead” for directions. If you use Apple Maps, you can type in “Buffalo Cabin Trail” for directions.

We wait 5 minutes for late arrivals…but no longer as that is inconsiderate to those arriving timely. So please allow extra time to get to the trailhead.

IMPORTANT: This is a participate at your own risk event! Life is risky. I am not a professional guide and am simply hosting this event. By signing up for this hike you acknowledge that you are capable of performing this hike and that you are solely responsible for your own safety.

NO SHOWS: If you are a no-show to 2 hikes, you will be booted from this meetup group. So please change your RSVP to “not going” if you are unable to make it.

WHAT YOU SHOULD BRING: Water, snacks, layers of clothing, good hiking shoes/boots, sunscreen, bug repellant, sunglasses, hat, gloves, hiking poles (if you find them helpful), and anything else you deem essential.

WEATHER: Here is the NOAA forecast for the hike location. For hourly temps, wind, precipitation, etc., click “Hourly Weather Forecast” in the upper right. https://forecast.weather.gov/MapClick.php?lon=-106.15623532933768&lat=39.61475616235043

REQUIRED WAIVER: Note that if you have not already done so, you must sign the updated waiver with our new meetup name prior to this hike. I will have copies at the trailhead that you can sign or you may print, sign, and bring it with you from the following website: https://www.dropbox.com/s/p728z28jjuwdzws/Waiver%20Corona.pdf?dl=0
If you choose to sign at the trailhead, please arrive early so that we can depart for the hike timely.