Buford-New Castle Road (Forest Road-245)
The Buford-New Castle Road is the main thoroughfare across the Flat Tops, spanning a total length of approximately 42 miles. The route provides access to numerous side roads, dispersed camping areas, and non-motorized trails. The road is open to highway legal vehicles, along with bicycle, foot, and horse travel. The road is graveled and suitable for passenger cars, though the surface is washboarded in many places. Please drive carefully and stay on the right hand side of the road, especially when rounding blind corners.
OHVs are not allowed on the Buford-New Castle Road. Instead, OHVs should use motorized trail #2290 (also known as the BNC parallel route), which begins at the West Elk Trailhead and ends at Forest Road-601 near Meadow Lake.
General Information
- Per winter travel management, the road is closed to wheeled motorized use (beginning at the West Elk Trailhead) from November 23rd through May 20th. During the winter, the Buford-New Castle Road is groomed for snowmobile travel by the Rifle Snowmobile Club, through a special use permit with the White River National Forest.
- Pack it in; Pack it out
Getting There
Directions
South from Buford, CO or north from New Castle, CO on County Road 245.
Facility and Amenity Information
Restrooms
Restrooms are not available at this site.
Water
Potable water is not available at this site.
