The Salt Creek Trail provides users with a wilderness experience with opportunities to view unique flora and fauna. The trail traverses 15 miles on the eastern perimeter of the Buffalo Peaks Wilderness.

The Salt Creek Trail skirts the eastern border of the Buffalo Peaks Wilderness. It essentially leads hikers 15 miles around the eastern perimeter of the wilderness area. The trail can be accessed from several points along its route. Two major trailheads may be used for this trail-Lynch Creek and Fourmile. Lynch Creek is the northern access and Fourmile is the southern access. Salt Creek Trail may also be accessed from Buffalo Peaks Trailhead, Pony Park Road (433) and Salt Creek Road (435). Backpacking trips using this trail in junction with the Rich Creek or Rough and Tumbling Trails would take hikers through the scenic backcountry of the newly designated Buffalo Peaks Wilderness. The terrain is rated moderate and offers opportunity for travel through big horn sheep country.

Directions: From Lynch Creek Trailhead, To reach Buffalo Peaks Trailhead drive south on Highway 285 from Fairplay approximately 13 miles. Turn right on to Buffalo Peaks Road a.k.a. Forest Developed Road 431. (This is also the road where Buffalo Springs Campground is located.) Drive approximately 5 miles on this road to Buffalo Peaks Trailhead. To reach the Lynch Creek Trailhead continue driving on Forest Road 431 about 2.5 miles beyon the Buffalo Peaks Trailhead.

Elevation: 10,560 feet

Ending Elevation: 10,920 feet

Elevation Gain: 2,250 feet

Usage: Moderate

Difficulty: Easy/Moderate

Visitor Information

Contact Wildernet