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Meadow Creek Trailhead


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Meadow Creek Trailhead

This trailhead just north of I-70 in Frisco leads into the beautiful Eagles Nest Wilderness, accessing Eccles Pass, Eccles Peak, the Gore Range Trail, Lily Pad Lake, and a circumnavigation of Buffalo Mountain.

Note: The Meadow Creek Trail and Trailhead will be closed every day from May 19 to June 14, 2025 while crews repair the trail's foundation and erosion control features. Construction will then continue from June 15 to Aug. 2, but the trail and trailhead will be closed on weekdays only.

Alternate Titles:

Eccles Pass via Meadow Creek Trail:  10 miles, 2800' gain

Eccles Peak via Meadow Creek Trail and Eccles Pass:  Follow the Meadow Creek Trail to the summit of Eccles Pass. At Eccles Pass, step off the trail and continue off-trail southeast following the broad ridge toward Point 12054 and then to Eccles Peak (12313’). Return to the trail and the return to the TH. 10.7 miles, 3300' gain. 

Buffalo Mountain Loop via Meadow Creek Trail, Eccles Pass and Buffalo Cabin Trail:  14 miles, 3100' elevation gain  This trail can be taken in either direction, but if going clockwise start from the TH parking lot up Meadow Creek Trail #33, ascend to the Gore Range Trail #60 up to Eccles Pass. After summiting the pass, continue the trail down to the be sure to take a short detour to Willow Falls.)  Turn right at Buffalo / S. Willow Connect Trail #31.1C and take that to the Buffalo Cabin Trail #31. Turn right and follow the trail south to the Buffalo Creek TH on Ryan Gulch Rd.  Once there, turn right and walk about 400’ to the Lily Pad Lake TH.  Follow the Lily Pad Lake Trail #50 back to the Meadow Creek TH.  14 miles, 3100' elevation gain.  Note this online source has a counter-clockwise version. 13.4 miles, 2976’ gain.  Optional Side Trip: Lily Pad Lake, 1.75 miles, +-362 ‘ gain.

  • 12,000 ft
  • Land Manager: U.S. Forest Service
    Eagles Nest Wilderness Area, Dillon Ranger District (WRNF)
  • Parking Permit Required: USFS Permits & Passes
  • Recommended Party Size: 12
  • Maximum Party Size: 12
  • Maximum Route/Place Capacity: 12
Map
County Road 1231, Frisco, CO 80443
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Titles

This is a list of titles that represent the variations of trips you can take at this route/place. This includes side trips, extensions and peak combinations. Not seeing a title that fits your trip? Log in and send us updates, images, or resources.

  • Meadow Creek TH - Eccles Pass
  • Meadow Creek TH - Eccles Peak
  • Meadow Creek TH - Buffalo Mtn Loop
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