Buffalo Cabin Trailhead is just below 9800 feet. The trail climbs directly to a four way intersection at 10,000 feet. At the intersection, continue northwest toward South Willow Creek Trail which is a section of Gore Range Trail. Before it reaches Gore Range Trail this trail descends back below 9800 feet. That may seem silly but this route saves about two miles of hiking on the alternate Mesa Cortina Trail. This photo shows one of very few clearings along this section of trail.