Colorado · Hiking · Indian Peaks Wilderness · Near Estes Park

Buchanan Pass

20.3 mi
round trip
3,891 ft
climb
11,843 ft
high point
Out and back
route

Caution today

Agency alerts are in effect for this area; weather is good · USFS, OpenWeather · checked 10 h ago

Is Buchanan Pass open right now?

Alert in the area

The Forest Service lists 3 alerts for Arapaho and Roosevelt National Forests.

As of · Source: USFS · Arapaho and Roosevelt National Forests. Agencies don't list every closure — check before you go.

Buchanan Pass is a 20-mile out-and-back hike in the Indian Peaks Wilderness, part of the Boulder Ranger District of the Arapaho and Roosevelt National Forests in Colorado. The trail rises from about 8,800 feet to 11,843 feet, a gain of about 3,900 feet, and is rated hard. It is an all-natural surface trail, and horses are allowed. The trail begins at the Buchanan Pass Trailhead, which is open year-round. The pass sits in designated wilderness, and the Forest Service manages the land. The route is long and steep. The most significant gain comes in the final stretch, so plan for a full day on foot. The Red Deer Cutoff Trail lies about a third of a mile away, and the Buchanan Pass Trail for mountain biking is about half a mile off. Climbers can head to Camp Dick, about 2.3 miles away, and Camp Dick Campground is about 4.1 miles away for an overnight base.

Around this trail

Add any of these when you start a trip
  • Sleep close

    Pawnee

    Campground

    Campground · 1.6 mi from the trail
  • Eat after

    Rock Creek Tavern and Pizzeria

    Restaurant

    On your way back · 5 mi · Open after 6

Places © OpenStreetMap contributors · Photos: Matt Golon, CC BY-SA 3.0 (commons)

More in Estes Park

Local outfitters

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