Buck Creek

Dogs Unknown

Features Fall Colors · River/Creek · Wildflowers · Wildlife

From the parking area, the first quarter mile is an unpleasant slog that crosses the creek three times and goes under the road repeatedly. Once you are free of the road, the scenery improves greatly but the trail is still tough going with large rocks and roots to overcome. Soon, enter a beautiful meadow and see a sign that indicates that the Avon forest ranger station was located here from 1907 to 1930. Imagine how remote and peaceful this area was back then...

After about 3/4 mile, the trail gets noticeably less steep and you are able to take your eyes off your feet and look around at the scenery. Great views of Beaver Creek and the mountains across the valley.

After a mile of easy going, the angle kicks way up again. The trail is smooth but skinny and so steeply cambered that even walking is challenging. This goes on for 1/2 a mile or so until you come to a beautiful meadow and the intersection of the Nottingham Trail. If you're pooped, turn around here. It doesn't get much easier and there's still almost 1,000 feet of climbing left.

But if you're continuing, head right (east) on the Nottingham Trail for 100 yards. This trail then turns left and resumes the climb up the same creek. This portion is popular with motorbikes, so it is wider, generally easier, and much more eroded. Grind up and up; eventually you'll end at Red and White dirt road, where you can turn around to retrace your steps or make a huge loop with Red and White, to Nottingham, and back to the lower section of this trail. Note: bikes are allowed on this trail.

Lupine, aspen.