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 Reporter |
Summary: The destination of this hike the beautiful Willow Lake located at treeline in the Willow Creek Valley. Nestled in with three of Colorado's hundred tallest peaks, and filled by a 100' foot waterfall, this location will show you what the Sangre de Cristo Wilderness is all about. It's rugged beauty is nothing short of breath taking. At an elevation of nearly 11,700' I mean that literally. This is no easy hike, but it can be done in one day if you pack light and get an early start. The trail is fairly well maintained. I believe that the Colorado Mountain Initiative has done a substantial amount of work to make this a sustainable trail. The lake remains frozen for quite some time (I was there mid-April), so plan this hike in the summer or early fall. Though in the winter the ice flows and frozen falls are gorgeous too. Bring your fishing pole if you're so inclined, there are some nice trout in the lake. Most important though, don't forget your camera. Trailhead: At the south end of the town of Moffat head East on road T into the town of Crestone. Stay on the main road until see a sign on the right directing you toward the Willow Creek trailhead. Turn right on the road following the sign. This road begins paved, however it soon turns to dirt. Follow this road to the end. The road becomes a little rough, however most vehicles could make it to the parking lot. If your vehicle cannot simply pull to the side of the road and walk, it will not add much to your hike. (Lat:37.98902 Lon:-105.66453) Trail Guides for Willow Lake Trail: Colorados Fourteeners by Gerry Roach (Fulcrum Publishing) Best Seasons: Fall, Summer, User Groups: Hikers, Dogs, Horses, Ranger Contact: Saguache Ranger Station 970-655-2553 Localhikes Reporter: This hike was submitted by Joshua Friesema, who has posted 97 other hikes on this site. To visit this reporters web site, click here. Trail Reviews Submit your own review 
Reviewed by Jesse on 6/1/2009 This hike is gorgeous. After tackling the initial 26 switchbacks you drop into a beautiful meadow(about 4 football fields) that is surrounded by a creek(great fishing,be quiet however). Another 1.5 hours up the trail you come to the 100 ft waterfall and then acsend into the beautiful willow lake..there's another little lake and a beautiful grassy incline above above the actual will lake. GREAT HIKE! 
Reviewed by JR on 10/12/2007 Sept 07 - Trail in decent shape. (Thank you.) Willow Lake beautiful and well worth the effort to get there! We camped a quarter mile or so below the lake. Goats were a bit pesky around camp but harmless. Day hiked above Willow Lake and got caught in a hellacious wind and sleet. (Are we still having fun?) Would love to take my wife up there but I'm quite sure that she would rather stay home and quilt.
Reviewed by ANG on 6/12/2006 26 SWITCHBACKS ARE BEST TO BE TACKLED FIRST THING IN THE AM... SUNNERTIME HEAT CAN MAKE THE CLIMB UP PRETTY GRUELING. Notice: Traveling in the backcountry can be hazardous. You are responsible for informing yourself about these hazards and taking necessary precautions. Information on this web site comes from volunteer reporters and may contain errors or omissions. A current guidebook and proper equipment are essential for safe enjoyment of the hikes posted on this site. Keys: Colorado Hiking, Colorado Trails, Colorado Hikes, Saguache County Hiking, Saguache County Trails, Saguache County Hikes | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||
