Trailhead › Buffalo Peaks Mine

Note: 9/2024 Per a report submitted by Tom Mowie, FR 436 is now closed at the junction with FR 436.2A. This adds 1.8 miles one way to the trip length and an additional 1,100 feet of elevation gain.
We now suggest accessing the east and west Buffalo summits from the north by using FR 431. At this time, we have not driven or hiked this route, so better information will be available in 2025 (we hope). Until then, you may want to consult other sources found on 14ers.com or Lists of John. Until we can provide another route, we will still maintain the old access for those who might wish to access these peaks from a more remote location.

From Johnson’s Corner, a little over 2.5 miles south of Buena Vista, drive east and north on US285 over Trout Creek Pass and continue to the intersection of US285 and where US 24 heads of to the east at "Antero Junction." Continue north 1.9 miles on 285 to the turnoff to the west for the Salt Creek Road (FR435). If coming from Fairplay, drive appx. 19 miles south on US 285 to FR435. Follow FR435 4.5 miles west to a junction of FR435 and FR436. Go left onto FR436. The road climbs up a hill by a couple of switchbacks and at 2.1 miles from the previous junction comes to another intersection just before it crosses the South Fork of Salt Creek. Go ahead and continue over the creek on FR436. At the next two intersections, stay left on what becomes FR436-1A, then right (according to a recent source who corrected our directions). Follow the road to an old mining area and probably park at or above the mine about 2.8 miles from the creek crossing. Check our map link for an interactive map.

On FR435, there are any number of at-large campsites and on up FR436. Up to the intersection of FR435 & 436, the road should be fairly easy. Once on FR436, it will begin to degrade until it becomes mostly 4WD single track. It was not too rocky but showed signs of muddy potholes.