Pike & San Isabel National Forests
Cimarron & Comanche National Grasslands

USDA Forest Service
Pike & San Isabel
National Forests
Cimarron & Comanche
National Grasslands
2840 Kachina Drive
Pueblo, CO 81008
719-553-1400

Telephone for the
Hearing Impaired
719-553-1404

South Platte Ranger District

Mountain Biking

The South Platte has numerous trails where mountain biking is permitted including several sections of the Colorado Trail. The Buffalo Creek Mountain Bike Area includes approximately 40 miles of trails that have been developed specifically for mountain biking. Weather permitting, riders can enjoy the trails eight to ten months of the year.

Closures: After the destruction of the 1996 fire and flood in the Buffalo Creek area, several changes were made to this area.  Top of the World, Baldy and Tramway campgrounds and Buffalo Picnic area have been completely removed.  Forest Road 543 is closed to public motorized use from the forest boundary near Highway 126 to the intersection of Forest Road 550 near Buffalo Campground.  Camping within .25 mile of either side of Buffalo Creek in this area is not allowed due to the risk of further flooding.  There is NO parking in the easternmost section of Forest Road 543 (by Hwy. 126)!  Please do not block access on this route.  The Top of the World Road 538 has been closed to public motorized use and motorized trail 695 has been closed to ALL use.  The bridge at the South Platte River for the Colorado Trail was washed out during the floods but was rebuilt and opened in Autumn of 1998.  The trailhead at Highway 126 and Colorado Trail was closed and relocated of Forest Road 550 just off Highway 126.

Openings:  Additional campsites have been added to the Buffalo Creek Campground and a new trailhead facility near Meadows Group Campground has been opened.  Trails were constructed near Pine Valley Ranch Park which serve as a trailhead access to the north part of the recreation area. 

Because of these changes you may wish to consider rerouting your access to the area.  Trailheads at Forest Road 550 (at Hwy. 126) and Meadows Campground can be used to access the Colorado Trail and the southeast portion of the area.  Trailheads at Pine Valley Ranch (just off Hwy. 126) and Miller Gulch (Forest Road 552) serve the north and west sections of the area.  You can use County Road 68 southeast from Bailey and access much of the area faster than using Highway 126 through Buffalo Creek.

Since the southern portion of the area receives such heavy use, consider exploring the underutilized trails in the northern section by accessing from Pine Valley Ranch Park.

Click here for a pdf brochure (1003 KB) and map of the Buffalo Creek biking area.

Trail Etiquette:  With the increasing popularity of the Buffalo Creek area, it is important that all trail users understand and practice proper trail etiquette.  When you encounter other trail users, make verbal contact by saying 'hello' or 'good morning' to get their attention.  Once contact has been made, yield the right-of-way to other trail users.  Remember, equestrians have the right-of-way in all circumstances with Hikers secondary.  Mountain Bikers need to take special care when approaching other users, you should slow to a walking speed when passing and yield to all other trail users.  Also, trail users traveling uphill have the right-of-way over downhill traffic.  Courtesy is important and contagious!

Volunteer Patrol:  In 1997, the Front Range Mountain Bike Patrol (FRMBP) in cooperation with the Forest Service, began a volunteer courtesy patrol in the Buffalo Creek Recreation Area.  Operating on weekend days and holidays from Memorial Day through Labor Day weekends, the Patrol acts as eyes and ears for the Forest Service reporting on trail usage and conditions, any emergency situations and assists all trail users in answering any questions they may have about the Buffalo Creek area.  All patrollers are knowledgeable of the area and are well versed in emergency bike repair.  They all carry first aid kits and have a radio for emergency situations.  The FRMBP is based in Denver. For more information on the Patrol you can contact them via email at info@frmbp.org.

Before you strike out, think about your responsibility to TREAD LIGHTLY and protect the environment you enjoy.

How to TREAD LIGHTLY:

Responsible Mountain Biking

Preparation

Obtain a map of the area you wish to explore and determine which areas are open for use.

• Contact the land manager for area restrictions and if crossing private property, be sure to ask permission from the land owner.
• Check the weather forecast.
• Prepare for the unexpected by packing a small backpack full of emergency items.

 Safety on the trail

• Wear a helmet, eye protection and other safety gear.
• Buddy up with two or three riders as riding solo can leave you vulnerable if you have an accident or breakdown.
• Drinking and riding don't mix.

 Rules and common courtesy

• Be considerate of others on the road or trail.
• Ride only where permitted.
• Leave gates as you find them.
• Yield the right of way to those passing or traveling uphill.
• Pack out what you pack in.
• Remember, designated wilderness areas are reserved for the most primitive outdoor adventure.

 Minimum impact camping

• Select lightweight equipment, possibly in earth-tone colors that will blend with the surroundings.
• Use existing campsites whenever possible.
• Avoid building fires.

 Negotiating terrain

• When climbing, shift to a gear that provides comfortable forward momentum and maintains traction.
• When descending, apply enough brake to maintain control, but avoid locking your bike's wheels.
• Avoid trails that are obviously wet and muddy to avoid trail damage.
• Cross streams slowly, at a 90-degree angle to the stream. Walking may be preferable as stream bottoms are often slippery.

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