Buffalo Burn Trail

Buffalo Burn Trail: A Sunset Dream

Nestled in the heart of Pine, Colorado, the Buffalo Burn trail offers an intermediate, loop cycling experience that never ceases to impress. With a total distance of 4 miles, it presents cyclists with the unique juxtaposition of burned and non-burned forests, forming a mesmerizing tapestry of nature's resilience and beauty.

Trail Highlights

• Burn Area Beauty: The route predominantly wends its way through a larger burn area in Buffalo Creek, revealing the aftereffects of nature's raw power. This landscape is contrasted sharply by sections of thriving forests, making for a visually captivating ride.
• Sweet Singletrack: Prepare for smooth rides in and out of varying forested areas with the trail's commendable singletrack.
• Descending Pleasure: For those who revel in descents, the advice is clear: go from south to north. This way, cyclists can bask in the joy of a mostly downhill ride.
• Sunset Magic: It's not just about the ride. When timed perfectly at sunset, the views are nothing short of ethereal, bathing the entire landscape in a warm, golden hue.

Getting There

To access the Buffalo Burn trail, start from the Little Fraggy parking lot situated at the zenith of Buffalo Creek. Head straight to the north end of the parking area, and a brief journey on the fire road (approximately 1/8 of a mile) northward will lead to the trail on the left. As a loop, this trail conveniently guides cyclists back to the starting point on the fire road.

Cyclist Feedback

• The trail is noted for its versatility. It's enjoyable irrespective of the direction, making it a preferred choice over the nearby sandy, double-wide section of the Colorado Trail.
• Being one of the most enjoyable stretches of singletrack in the Buff Creek system, it enhances numerous routes in contrast to the Colorado Trail.
• Its singletrack nature is primarily rolling. However, like much of the Buffalo Creek network, it's sprinkled with loose granite sand and gravel, adding to its intermediate challenge.
• Some cyclists opt to blend this trail into more extensive loops, like the one starting from the Buffalo Creek Road parking area. This extended loop, totaling around 22 miles and 2850 ft. of elevation, incorporates the Colorado Trail, Shinglemill, Buffalo Creek Rd, Baldy, Charlie's, Morrison, and Sandy Wash.
• When combined with an out-and-back ride on the Colorado Trail and ridden during sunset, the experience is unforgettable. The trail, while not being exceptionally technical, offers an exhilarating downhill rush when journeyed from south to north.

Final Thoughts

Buffalo Burn trail stands as a testament to nature's transformative power. It's more than just a cycling route; it's an exploration into the heart of Pine's diverse landscapes. Whether for the workout, the views, or the sheer joy of descent, it's a trail that beckons time and time again.