Silver Creek Trail

The Silver Creek Trail is a must-do the next time you find yourself near Buena Vista, CO. Exhibiting the diversity and beauty of the Sawatch Mountain Range wilderness, the trail will guide you through towering pine forests, vibrant aspen groves, and along exposed ridges that deliver expansive vistas of the mountainous landscape. If you are exploring this route in the winter months, we highly suggest microspikes or snowshoes to navigate the terrain more safely. Note: the road up to the trailhead is rough and rugged, so vehicles with 4-wheel drive and high ground clearance are advised.

Begin your journey along the Silver Creek Trail from the trailhead off North Cottonwood Road. From here, track the Colorado Trail Segment 13 southwest beneath the timberline. As you hike you will make your way along the banks of Silver Creek, a gurgling stream. Let the sounds of the running waters and the wind whistling through the trees lull you into a state of relaxation, as you pass through the golden sea of aspens. Eventually, the route will guide you along an exposed ridge that provides sweeping views of Mount Yale in the southwest.

Follow the path back beneath the timberline as you gradually climb up the terrain. You will soon meet the trail’s end when you confront a small creek just before entering the Collegiate Peaks Wilderness. Here, turnaround and retrace your footing along the track back to the trailhead