Buchanan Pass Trail
Buchanan Pass Trail (#910) is a high-elevation Continental Divide crossing that reaches about 11,837–11,884 ft at Buchanan Pass inside the Indian Peaks Wilderness on the Arapaho and Roosevelt National Forests. It’s mapped as a long-distance hiking route with moderate overall difficulty.
A typical way to move along the route starts at Middle Saint Vrain Trailhead and heads west along the north side of Middle Saint Vrain Creek. The first stretch is a gradual climb for about five miles to the Indian Peaks Wilderness boundary.
After intersecting the Saint Vrain Mountain Trail, the route continues up-valley to the junction with Saint Vrain Glacier Trail. From there it crosses Middle Saint Vrain Creek, turns south, and gains another short segment before the Red Deer Lake spur takes you off to the lake.
From the Beaver Creek Trail junction area, Buchanan Pass Trail climbs steeply west to the Continental Divide at Buchanan Pass. Expect a frequent snow problem on the pass in years when it doesn’t clear until late season.
Access is tied to the Middle Saint Vrain Road area: the main trail access point is about 6.5 miles north of Ward, Colorado on Colorado Highway 72, with directions to Camp Dick/Peaceful Valley and then onto Middle Saint Vrain Road (County Road 92 / NFSR 114).
Overnight use in the Indian Peaks Wilderness requires a permit between June 1 and September 15, with day-hiking permits free. Camping restrictions include no camping on the first half-mile west of Middle Saint Vrain Trailhead; campfires are prohibited year-round; and in the wilderness, mechanized/motorized travel is prohibited. Dogs must be on a hand-held leash at all times, and group size is limited to 12 people and/or livestock.
Difficulty
Moderate