Overview
Buchanan Pass Trail approaches Indian Peaks Wilderness from the east via the Peaceful Valley Campground trailhead, following the Middle Saint Vrain Creek drainage up through Camp Dick meadows and dense conifer forest before climbing to Buchanan Pass at 11,837 feet on the Continental Divide. At 10 miles round trip with 2,500 feet of gain, this is a full, demanding day hike. It is also one of the quieter approaches into Indian Peaks compared to the heavily trafficked Brainard Lake corridor - a meaningful advantage for those seeking genuine wilderness feel over crowded parking lots.
The trail serves hikers and backpackers. Day hikers can reach the pass and return in a long but manageable day; backpackers use Buchanan Pass as a gateway to the western side of Indian Peaks or as part of a multi-day Indian Peaks traverse. The through-hike option connecting to Monarch Lake on the Grand County side makes this a popular route for those doing the full Indian Peaks east-to-west circuit.
Dogs are allowed on leash throughout. Overnight camping requires an Indian Peaks Wilderness permit. Day hiking does not require a permit beyond free trailhead access. Check current conditions and permit information before your trip.
The Route
Miles 0 to 2.0: Peaceful Valley to Camp Dick meadows. The trail leaves the Peaceful Valley Campground trailhead and heads southwest along the Middle Saint Vrain Creek drainage. The first two miles follow the creek through an open meadow complex known as Camp Dick, with views of the surrounding forested slopes. The grade is gentle. This lower section has the most abundant wildlife - elk are common in the meadows, particularly in morning and evening.
Miles 2.0 to 4.0: Forest climb. Beyond the meadow, the trail enters dense subalpine forest and begins climbing more consistently. The forest is classic Colorado high-country spruce-fir mix, closed and quiet compared to the open meadow below. The trail follows creek drainages and tributary valleys, crossing small streams several times. Stream crossings are generally straightforward on rocks or logs but can be high and fast in early July with peak snowmelt.
Miles 4.0 to 5.0: Upper basin and Buchanan Pass. The trail breaks out of treeline into the upper basin below the pass. The terrain is rocky alpine tundra, with views of the surrounding peaks opening up. The final half mile to the pass climbs steeply on switchbacks through loose rock and scree. At Buchanan Pass (11,837 ft), the Continental Divide stretches in both directions. The view west looks down into the Monarch Lake basin and the forested mountains of Grand County. The view east takes in the Saint Vrain drainage you just climbed.
Descent: Return the same route. The rocky upper section requires careful foot placement on the way down. Once you're back in the forested section, the return is straightforward but long.
Permits and Fees
Parking at Peaceful Valley Campground trailhead is free. No day-use permit is required for hiking this trail. Overnight camping in Indian Peaks Wilderness requires a reservation through Recreation.gov ($6 per group per night, as of 2026). Verify current requirements and reservation windows through recreation.gov, as the permit system has been evolving under increasing use pressure.
For general information on national forest permit systems, see our camping permit guide. The America the Beautiful pass covers most developed recreation sites but provides no specific benefit at this free trailhead.
When to Hike
July through September is the core season. The Camp Dick meadow sections are accessible earlier in season (sometimes late June), but the upper basin and pass hold snow through early July in most years. The upper headwall may require basic navigation across snow patches until mid-July.
September is often the best month for this trail. Crowds are minimal, morning weather is generally stable, and the meadow sections have transitioned to fall colors. Elk are active through September and into October in the lower meadows.
Lightning: The pass is fully exposed above treeline. Colorado afternoon thunderstorms are a serious hazard. Plan to reach the pass and begin descent by noon or 1 PM at the latest. Start no later than 6 or 7 AM from the trailhead.
What to Bring
Water: Middle Saint Vrain Creek and its tributaries provide water for filtering throughout the approach. Carry treated water from the trailhead or a filter. Many hikers bring 2 to 3 liters for this distance; individual needs vary. Above treeline, water sources disappear.
Layers: The pass is exposed and often windy. A wind shell and insulating layer are worth carrying. Temperatures at the pass can be 25 to 35 degrees colder than at the trailhead.
Navigation: Multiple trail junctions in the Saint Vrain drainage. Download an offline map before leaving cell service. No cell service at the trailhead or on the trail.
Bear awareness: Black bears are active in the Saint Vrain drainage. Review our bear canister guide for storage requirements if camping overnight. Practice Leave No Trace principles throughout.
Trekking poles: Useful for the upper scree and the stream crossings in early season.
Trailhead Access
From Longmont, take US-36 west toward Lyons, then CO-7 west through Allenspark to Peaceful Valley. The Peaceful Valley Campground and trailhead are approximately 20 miles west of Longmont. From Boulder, take CO-119 north to Lyons, then CO-7 west. Total drive from Boulder is about 35 miles, roughly 50 minutes.
The trailhead parking area is at Peaceful Valley Campground, a developed campground with 17 sites, vault toilets, and running water during the camping season. No day-use parking fee. The area along Middle Saint Vrain Road (CR 92) is a quieter approach to Indian Peaks than the Ward-to-Brainard Lake Road corridor, which helps explain why Buchanan Pass sees a fraction of the visitors that Pawnee Pass draws.
For those exploring multiple areas of Arapaho and Roosevelt National Forests, the Sourdough Trail is accessible a short distance away on the east side of the mountains near Rainbow Lakes Campground, offering a very different character: long, forest-dominated, and multi-use.