Set aside by U.S. Congress in 1993, Buffalo Peaks Wilderness is a wilderness area in central Colorado.  The area is named for the 13,000 foot-high volcanic mountains, East Buffalo Peak and West Buffalo Peak.  The area lacks soaring heights and jagged mountain landscapes and is perhaps not as photogenic as other wilderness areas in Colorado, but Buffalo Peaks Wilderness Area more than makes up for it in solitude and rolling alpine beauty. 

Indeed, solitude may be the main draw of Buffalo Peaks.  The area is far from major population centers, so chances are, you will be able to enjoy the wide-open meadows, beaver ponds, small creeks and pine forests in quiet isolation.  (we only saw a couple other hikers during two days in Buffalo Meadows, for example)

Hiking, backpacking, wildlife viewing and fishing are the main activities.  Bikes and other forms of mechanical transport are not allowed in wilderness areas.

What to Do There

If your interest is in hiking, there are several trails to choose from that will take you up to the high altitude meadows of Buffalo Peaks Wilderness.  The Rich Creek Trailhead on FR 425 (CR 5) allows access to Rich Creek Trail and Tumble Creek Trail.  Rich Creek Trail is the most direct route and heads west from the trailhead along Rich Creek.  Several miles of hiking will see you to the meadows and the complex series of beaver ponds.  

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Thinking of heading up the southern Oregon coast?  You shouldn’t have a problem finding things to do or finding a place to camp. You’ll come across tremendous scenery around every bend in the road and a campground literally every couple miles.  There are ample opportunities for hiking and biking, exploring the many coves or just relaxing on a sheltered beach.  Here are some state and county parks especially worth visiting on a trip up Highway 101.  

Humbug Mountain State Park

Humbug Mountain State Park provides a cozy leeward valley, several miles of beach, access to Brush Creek and the Humbug Mountain hiking trail.  The Oregon Coast Trail also passes through the park.  Hiking, biking, beachcombing and wildlife viewing are all popular in the area.  The campground has nearly 100 spots and full amenities.  

Battle Rock Wayside Park

Continuing north on Highway 101, you will see Battle Rock Wayside Park to your left just before you enter Port Orford.  The park is so named for the 1851 battle between the first white settlers and the native tribes.  Check out Battle Rock just off the highway, where the settlers held out during the fighting, and then head down across the beach to see the many other rock formations rising directly out of the sand and surf.  

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The other day I was out riding on a local side street here in Colorado.  I looked down for just one second to check my gears.  And the next second I was staring at the grill of a Jeep Cherokee coming at me from the left.  He was crossing from the oncoming left-turn lanes, but I clearly had the right-of-way.  He either did not see me or chose to ignore me as a silly cyclist (as many motorists do).  Fortunately, the guy decided to see me at the last second and I was able to swerve around him to the right. 

Funny thing is, I had seen the Jeep before and knew he was there in the turn lane.  But it was that second of inattention that almost led to disaster. 

Situational awareness is one of the key elements in staying safe on your bike.  Let your attention stray for just a second and an obstacle can come out of nowhere to wipe you out.  This is especially true when you are riding on roads and streets.  Staying aware of your surroundings can help you avoid, among other things, the dreaded attack of the left turn.

Mountain biking this morning I came across two headphoned accidents-waiting-to-happen.  The first was a runner trudging along in the middle of the singletrack.  The second was a fellow mountain biker.  Each time, I came up behind them and said "hello, passing".  No response.  So I waited for a few seconds and then noticed the talisman of modern day obliviousness - white headphone cables running up the side of their heads - but fortunately, I managed to get around the idiots at wide spots in the trail.

Wearing headphones when you're out cycling or running is dangerous and just plain stupid.  If you have any interest in staying safe and being courteous to your fellow riders and joggers, leave the iPod at home.  I don't care how much you like listening to California Gurls while you workout.  The sounds of nature are far better than Katy Perry's computer-tuned voice.  If you don't think so, then there is no point in your being outside.  Stay inside where you can safely workout and listen to music at the same time.

The Oregon coast is absolutely gorgeous.  Majestic headlands.  Myrtle-green forests.  Fresh ocean breezes.  Secluded beaches and sheltered valleys.  If your idea of paradise includes any of these, then you may want to strike out for Oregon and the Pacific Ocean. 

Just south of Port Orford, the Humbug Mountain Trail takes you to the summit of one of the highest mountains along the coast.  Mount Humbug rises directly from the ocean to a height of 1,756 feet, and on the way to the top you can experience firsthand the old growth rainforest, small waterfalls and expanses of clovers and ferns.

Recommended Route

Humbug Mountain Trail is approximately five miles round trip, to the summit and back.  If you are staying at the Humbug Mountain Campground, you can step right out of your trailer or tent and start the hike.  Head east from Loop B (west from Loop A), and take the footbridge across Brush Creek.  A tunnel will take you under the highway to the trailhead. 

For those not staying at the campground, there is a dedicated parking area on Highway 101 just west of the campground entrance. 

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Cycling is good for the body and mind.  But you know what’s not so good?  Getting caught out on the side of the road with a long walk back to your comfy abode.  And walking your bicycle is about as much fun as getting your fingers slammed in a car door. 

But if you carry a basic set of supplies at all times, you won’t have to call a friend or your significant other for an emergency roadside pick-up.  Flat tire?  Brakes out of whack?  Got some road rash?  You’ll be able to deal with common bike problems and arrive at your destination like the self sufficient, pedal-power hero you are! 

These supplies are your American Express of cycling.  Don’t leave home without them...

Multi-Tool - Any modern bike is going to have a variety of screws, bolts and widgets.  A good multi-tool will allow you to adjust your pedals, handlebars and seat and modify and tighten nearly everything on your bike right on the spot. 

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Situated in Ute Pass, near the base of Pikes Peak, is the little town of Green Mountain Falls.  If you enjoy hideaway mountain towns, Green Mountain Falls certainly fits the bill.  And for experienced hikers, the small burg is a good starting point for several destinations.  Within walking distance you can find a pair of waterfalls, two reservoirs, various rock formations and a mountain valley called the Garden of Eden. 

What to See There

Two waterfalls are within easy walking distance of the city center.  You can find Crystal Falls due south of the Gazebo Lake, not far from the end of Boulder Street.  Catamount Falls is near the end of Hondo Avenue.  While the term "waterfall" does technically apply to both, don't expect a huge raging torrent.  The flow of water in the streams varies depending on the season and recent precipitation, but most of the time Crystal Falls and Catamount Falls amount to a simple water-flowing-down-rocks. 

The Garden of Eden is a small idyllic valley that overlooks Green Mountain Falls and upper Ute Pass.  The valley is a grassy area, bounded by granite rock formations and a stream.  Continue on Catamount Trail, and you can check out North and South Catamount Reservoirs.  From this plateau, you can also enjoy views of Pikes Peak to the south. 

Recommended Route

The locals are very strict about where you can park, and if you drive up along Belvidere and Hondo avenues you will see No-Parking and Tow-Away signs around every turn.  So park your car at the Gazebo Lake and start your hike from there. 

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