Buford, Colorado is a small unincorporated community located in Moffat County, in the northwestern part of the state.

Quick Facts

• Location: Rio Blanco County, Northwestern Colorado
• Distance from Denver: Approximately 245 miles west via I-70 W and CO-13 N (4.5 hours)
• Distance from Meeker: 20 miles east on County Road 8 (Flat Tops Byway)
• Elevation: Approximately 7,000 feet
• Population: Minimal (unincorporated community)
• Year Established: Post office established 1890, community settled in 1880s
• Nearest Full Services: Meeker (20 miles west)
• Primary Attraction: Gateway to Flat Tops Wilderness and Trappers Lake

Buford is a remote unincorporated community in Rio Blanco County, Colorado, serving as one of the primary gateways to the spectacular Flat Tops Wilderness Area. Located along the scenic Flat Tops Byway (County Road 8) in the White River Valley, this tiny settlement lies at the confluence of the North and South Forks of the White River, approximately 20 miles east of Meeker. While Buford itself consists of just a handful of buildings with minimal services, its location makes it an essential stopping point for outdoor enthusiasts heading into some of Colorado’s most pristine backcountry.

A Brief History of Buford

Buford was named after Major General John Buford, a Union Army officer during the American Civil War. The community’s history is tied to the settlement of the White River Valley, which began in earnest in the early 1880s after the Ute people were forced out of the region following the Meeker Incident of 1879. Unlike many Colorado mountain communities that boomed with mining activity, Buford developed primarily as a ranching and logging community serving the surrounding agricultural lands.

The Buford post office operated from March 19, 1890, until December 15, 1961, serving the scattered ranchers and homesteaders in the White River Valley. During its peak years in the early 1900s, the community supported a store, school, and small residential population. The historic Buford School, built in 1902 after flooding damaged the original 1889 schoolhouse, served local children until 1952. Today, this one-room schoolhouse has been preserved as the White River Community Center and is listed on the Colorado State Register of Historic Places.

Location and Access

Buford sits at the junction where the North and South Forks of the White River converge to form the main White River. The community is located on County Road 8, also known as the Flat Tops Trail Scenic Byway, a spectacularly scenic but remote mountain road that connects Meeker on the western side of the Flat Tops to Yampa on the eastern side. This 82-mile scenic byway is unpaved for much of its length and typically closed in winter due to heavy snow.

Getting to Buford:

• From Meeker: Drive 20 miles east on County Road 8 (Flat Tops Byway)
• From Glenwood Springs: Approximately 60 miles via I-70 to Rifle, then north on Highway 13 to Meeker, then east on CR 8
• Road Conditions: Gravel and dirt road east of Meeker; 4WD recommended, especially in spring and after rain
• Seasonal Access: County Road 8 east of Buford is typically closed from late fall through late spring/early summer

Gateway to the Flat Tops Wilderness

Buford stands out because it’s the main way into the Flat Tops Wilderness Area—Colorado’s second-biggest wilderness, covering 235,214 acres. Picture a huge sweep of wild mountains and thick forests, crossing Garfield, Rio Blanco, and Eagle Counties. The place gets its name from the strange, flat-topped peaks everywhere you look. Those aren’t just for show—millions of years of wind and water chewed away the softer rock, leaving behind a tough basalt cap, sometimes as much as 1,500 feet thick.

There’s a lot of history here, too. The Flat Tops Wilderness is where America’s whole idea of protecting wilderness really got started. Back in 1919, Arthur Carhart—a landscape architect with the U.S. Forest Service—visited Trappers Lake. The place stunned him. He told everyone to leave it untouched. People listened, and Trappers Lake became the first area in the country the Forest Service set aside as “wilderness,” even before there were official rules. That’s why folks call it the “Cradle of Wilderness.”

Trappers Lake: The Crown Jewel

Just east of Buford via County Road 8 and Trappers Lake Road lies one of Colorado’s most spectacular natural features. Trappers Lake sits in a glacially-carved basin at approximately 9,600 feet elevation, surrounded by dramatic volcanic cliffs and flat-topped peaks. At 320 acres, it’s Colorado’s second-largest natural lake (after Grand Lake), with depths reaching 180 feet.

What makes Trappers Lake special:

• Home to the largest concentration of Colorado River cutthroat trout in the world
• Fed by the North Fork of the White River
• Surrounded by the iconic Chinese Wall—sheer volcanic cliffs hundreds of feet tall
• Access to over 110 alpine lakes and ponds throughout the Flat Tops
• Five Forest Service campgrounds with minimal services (pit toilets, water)
• Trappers Lake Lodge offering cabins, restaurant, and guided services

Outdoor Recreation Around Buford

Buford serves as a launching point for world-class outdoor recreation. The area’s remote location, diverse terrain ranging from 6,500 to 12,000 feet elevation, and pristine wilderness provide exceptional opportunities for hiking, fishing, hunting, wildlife viewing, and backcountry exploration.

Fishing

The White River system around Buford offers some of Colorado’s finest trout fishing. The North and South Forks converge at Buford to form the main White River, which flows westward through the valley to Meeker. Anglers can target native cutthroat trout, rainbow trout, brown trout, brook trout, and mountain whitefish across numerous access points.

Prime fishing locations:

• Trappers Lake: Blue-ribbon cutthroat trout fishery, wild trout water
• North Fork White River: Excellent access along County Road 8 with cutthroat, rainbow, and brook trout
• South Fork White River: Accessible via South Fork Campground and trails, holds brook, rainbow, and cutthroat trout
• Main White River: From Buford to Meeker with multiple public access points
• Approximately 100 miles of fishable streams in the Flat Tops Wilderness
• Over 110 high-altitude lakes and ponds throughout the wilderness area

Hiking and Backpacking

The Flat Tops Wilderness contains hundreds of miles of trails ranging from gentle day hikes to challenging multi-day backpacking routes. The varied terrain includes subalpine and montane conifer forests, alpine tundra above 10,000 feet, volcanic cliffs, and numerous pristine lakes.

Popular trails and destinations:

• Trappers Lake Loop (Carhart Trail): ~5 miles around the lake, showcasing the Chinese Wall
• Wall Lake Trail: Scenic route from Trappers Lake to Wall Lake with stunning alpine views
• Devil’s Causeway: Iconic narrow ridgeline with 600-foot drop-offs on either side
• South Fork Trail: Access to the South Fork Canyon and backcountry
• Trappers Lake Trail: 22+ mile route connecting to numerous other wilderness trails

Hunting

The Flat Tops Wilderness and surrounding White River National Forest are renowned for big game hunting. The area supports healthy populations of elk, mule deer, black bear, and mountain lion. As many as 20,000 elk summer in the Flat Tops, making it one of Colorado’s premier elk hunting destinations. The rugged terrain and remote backcountry provide authentic wilderness hunting experiences, with many hunters using horses to pack into the high country.

Wildlife Viewing

Buford’s wild places are alive with all sorts of animals. If you’re out early or just before sunset, you’ll probably spot elk grazing in the open meadows. Mule deer wander through, and moose do too—sometimes looking surprisingly at home. Black bears show up now and then, along with marmots scurrying around the rocks. And the birds? There are plenty: Steller’s jays flash their blue feathers, eagles glide overhead, and hawks circle, always hunting. Around Trappers Lake, the air buzzes with insects, which means the birds and fish stay well-fed.

Services and Amenities

Buford itself has extremely limited services. The community is primarily a road junction and access point rather than a full-service town. Visitors should plan accordingly and stock up on supplies, fuel, and groceries before leaving Meeker.

In Buford:

• Limited commercial services
• Historic Buford School/White River Community Center (community gatherings and events)
• Road junction for accessing Trappers Lake and the Flat Tops

Nearest Full Services (Meeker – 20 miles west):

• Gas stations and vehicle services
• Grocery stores and restaurants
• Outdoor gear stores (including Backcountry Outpost for fishing/hunting equipment and licenses)
• Hotels, motels, and bed & breakfasts
• Medical services and emergency care
• USFS Ranger Station for maps, permits, and current conditions

Where to Stay

Accommodation options in the immediate Buford area are limited to campgrounds and a few lodges. Most visitors base themselves in Meeker or use the Forest Service campgrounds near Trappers Lake.

Near Buford:

• Trappers Lake Lodge: Historic lodge offering cabins, restaurant, bar, and guided hunting/fishing services
• Forest Service Campgrounds near Trappers Lake: Horse Thief (5 sites), Shepherd’s Rim (15 sites), Cutthroat (14 sites), Trapline (13 sites), Buck’s (10 sites) – basic amenities only
• South Fork Campground: Access to South Fork fishing and trails
• Rio Blanco County Access Campground: Along County Road 8
• Dispersed camping: Available throughout White River National Forest (follow Leave No Trace principles)

In Meeker (fuller range of options):

• Hotels and motels
• Bed & breakfasts
• Guest ranches and lodges
• RV parks with full hookups

When to Visit Buford

The best time to visit Buford depends on your planned activities. The area is generally accessible from late spring through early fall, with winter access limited due to snow closure of mountain roads.

Summer (Late June – September):

• Peak season for hiking, backpacking, and camping
• Wildflowers bloom late June through July, including Colorado’s state flower, the Columbine
• Excellent fishing as snowmelt subsides and hatches become consistent
• All roads and trails typically accessible
• Afternoon thunderstorms common—bring rain gear

Fall (September – October):

• Spectacular fall colors in the aspen groves
• Prime elk hunting season (Colorado’s famous elk hunts)
• Cooler temperatures ideal for hiking
• Fewer crowds as summer tourism winds down
• Roads may close due to early snow by late October

Spring (May – Early June):

• Roads typically open late May or early June depending on snowpack
• Rivers run high with snowmelt—excellent for viewing but challenging for fishing
• Muddy road conditions possible
• Wildlife very active as they move to higher elevations

Winter (November – April):

• County Road 8 east of Buford typically closed
• Limited access for snowmobiling and cross-country skiing
• Most facilities closed for the season

Planning Your Trip to Buford

Visiting Buford and the Flat Tops Wilderness requires careful planning due to the area’s remote nature and limited services. Here are essential tips for a successful trip:

Essential Preparations:

• Stock up on all supplies, fuel, and groceries in Meeker before heading to Buford
• Check road conditions and weather forecasts—mountain weather can change rapidly
• 4WD vehicle recommended, especially for roads beyond Buford
• No cell service in most of the area—bring maps and GPS
• Acclimate to the altitude (7,000-12,000 feet)—stay hydrated and take it easy the first day
• Bear-proof food storage required in the wilderness—bring containers or rope for hanging
• Purchase fishing licenses and hunting tags in advance (available at Backcountry Outpost in Meeker)

Wilderness Regulations:

• Maximum group size: 15 people or 25 people and pack/saddle animals combined
• No camping within 100 feet of lakes, streams, or trails
• No camping within 1/4 mile of Trappers, Hooper, Keener, or Smith Lakes
• No campfires within 100 feet of water or within 1/4 mile of major lakes
• Pack out all trash—Leave No Trace principles apply
• Dogs must be under verbal control at all times (no leash law but owner responsibility required)

Resources and Further Information

Before your visit, gather information from these sources:

• White River National Forest – Blanco Ranger District (Meeker): Current trail conditions, wilderness permits, and maps
• Meeker Chamber of Commerce: Area information and business listings
• Colorado Parks & Wildlife: Fishing and hunting regulations, license sales
• Backcountry Outpost (Meeker): Local fishing reports, gear, and expert advice

Why Visit Buford

While Buford itself may be small and unassuming, its significance lies in what surrounds it. This remote community serves as the threshold to one of Colorado’s most spectacular and historically important wilderness areas. From the crystalline waters of Trappers Lake to the unique flat-topped peaks that define the horizon, from world-class trout fishing to exceptional elk hunting, the Buford area offers authentic wilderness experiences increasingly rare in today’s developed world.

Whether you’re planning a multi-day backpacking adventure through the high country, a focused fishing trip targeting native cutthroat trout, an elk hunting expedition in prime habitat, or simply seeking the peace and solitude of true wilderness, Buford provides access to experiences that will create lasting memories. The area’s remoteness is part of its appeal—this is Colorado backcountry as it was meant to be experienced: wild, beautiful, and largely untouched.

Come prepared, respect the wilderness, and discover why Arthur Carhart fought so hard to preserve this remarkable landscape over a century ago.