Buffalo Pass | Dry Lake Trailhead 

Buffalo Pass is a wilderness playground in Steamboat Springs’ backyard. This multi-use area offers acres of space for both motorized and non-motorized recreation and is serviced by the Dry Lake Trailhead. It is managed by the Hahns Peak/Bears Ears Ranger District.

Things to keep in mind when you visit Buff Pass

Parking

This area is popular, and the parking area often fills up in early morning, especially on weekends and powder days. If the trailhead is full, try again later or head somewhere else. Do not invent a parking spot if none are available. Parking is not allowed along the county road below the Dry Lake lot. Tickets will be issued for inappropriate/illegal parking.

New this year, the Dry Lake parking lot follows a one-way circular traffic pattern. See the diagrams below.

There is no overnight camping in the parking lot at Dry Lake and the camping area is closed for the season.

Be respectful

Buffalo Pass Recreation Area is shared by many different user groups. Be respectful of one another at the trailhead and in the backcountry.

Permits

The Dry Lake/Buffalo Pass Area has a special management area called the Winter Backcountry Permit Area. A free Winter Backcountry Permit must be on each person when recreating in the area and can be picked up at the Dry Lake Trailhead. If you are visiting this area with your own snowcat or a multi-tracked (two tracks or more) vehicle over 50-inches you will need an additional snowcat permit. To obtain a Snowcat Permit you first must call (970) 870-2299 in advance to start the process for your Snowcat Permit, once it is ready, it must be picked up at the Hahns Peak/Bears Ears Ranger District by appointment only Monday-Friday. These permits are free and outline the special rules and regulations for operating in that area.