The only well-known trail leading to Gore Peak was a branch-off from the valley, and it went round to the south and more accessible side of the mountain.
All that immense slope of timbered ridges, benches, ravines, and swales west of Buffalo Park was exceedingly wild and rough country.

Here the buffalo took to cover from hunters, and were safe until they ventured forth into the parks again.

Elk and deer and bear made this forest their home.
Bent Wade, hunter now for bigger game than wild beasts of the range, left his horse at Lewis's cabin and penetrated the dense forest alone, like a deer-stalker or an Indian in his movements.

Lewis had acted as scout for Wade, and had ridden furiously down to Sage Valley with news of the rustlers.

Wade had accompanied him back to Buffalo Park that night, riding in the dark.