Fiddlehead Trail

Dogs Leashed

Features Birding · Fall Colors · Views · Wildflowers

This is a simple and enjoyable hike at Buffalo Pass, and makes a top choice for families with children. In summer you can enjoy the sights of many wildflowers and lush ferns among forest and meadows. Keep in mind that mountain bikes can also use this trail, but they should generally yield to hikers.

The way there is mostly dirt road, but easily driveable for a 2WD car. The parking area fills up quickly. There is a larger parking lot and bathrooms on the right as you enter the trailhead area. There are a number of trailheads that can be accessed from this spot. You can even ride or hike the Spring Creek trail from Steamboat to get here.

The trailhead is across the street to the north of the main parking lot. The trail is mostly flat and offers some great views of the surrounding mountains. It meanders through forest and open areas with abundant flora including tons of wildflowers in summer. The trail has good signage and is easy to follow with only a a couple of trail junctions on the east side of the loop.

This trail is part of the Buffalo Pass Recreation Area. It is made possible through a partnership between the US Forest Service, the City of Steamboat Springs, and the Steamboat Trails Alliance.

Lots of ferns and wildflowers. There are columbines, paintbrush, hemlock and many others.