Hiking – Kaufman Ridge HP and Kaufman Ridge North

Join us for an all day, off trail hike to Kaufman Ridge highpoint and Kaufman Ridge North.

Please note - this is an entirely off trail ascent of 2 high points through dense forest with lots of fallen trees to climb/step over, with areas of deep snow. If that is not your idea of fun, you will not enjoy this hike. However, if this is your type of fun, after navigating up the steep slopes dodging fallen trees and rocks, you'll be rewarded with incredible views of the Collegiate Peaks.

Description from SummitPost.org: Kaufman is a 7 mile long ridgeline that forms a portion of the southwestern border of the South Park Plateau in central Colorado. The ridgeline starts at the 9346 ft Trout Creek Pass on Route 24/285 near the town of Buena Vista and heads southeast until it slowly merges into the South Park Plateau. The high points along the crest of the ridgeline have elevations in the 10400-10765 ft range. A 9450 ft saddle breaks the ridgeline into two pieces. The 10765 ft Kaufman Ridge High Point rises directly to the south of the saddle. Kaufman Ridge North is the second highest point of the ridgeline and rises to the north of the saddle.

Well-behaved non-aggressive dogs are welcome, but the handler MUST be able to carry the dog out in case of injury or emergency. This hike is only recommended for well conditioned dogs, this is a rough hike for humans and dogs due the off trail nature of the hike. 

Meet at 8:30am the end of Windmill Drive, park the gate to the San Isabel National Forest. The gate is closed for the winter.

Here is the Google Maps Link: https://maps.app.goo.gl/qtciKShngLxUfQwq9