Willow Lakes via Gore Range Trail

This hike has some of the most spectacular lakes within driving distance. And we usually see mountain goats! We go past 5 lakes…if I recall correctly…all of which require a short out and back…but every single lake is amazing so we will do the out and back to each lake.

Please only sign up for this hike if you can hike at least 2.5 mph moving speed and will hike with the group. This will be a group hike, where everyone will wait at all trail junctions and the group pace will only be as fast as our slowest hiker, so no one hikes on their own for safety reasons. Plan on a moderate moving pace of 2.5 to 3 mph with stops for pics, snacks, etc.
Hikes that are scheduled weeks in advance are always subject to date/time change or cancellation due to weather, trail conditions or closures, or other unforeseen circumstances.

Difficulty: about 14 miles with about 3,000 to 3,100 feet elevation gain. Highest elevation is about 11,400 feet. And this hike is considered HARD in alltrails.

HIKE DESCRIPTION: Lets hike up to multiple lakes surrounded by peaks. The first 4 miles are in the forest, but then the trail opens up to gradually improving views of the surrounding peaks…then the peaceful beautiful lakes at the summit. See the following hike in Alltrails except the alltrails route does not include the side trails to each lake, so we will add on the side trails: https://www.alltrails.com/trail/us/colorado/willow-lakes-via-gore-range-trail

DOGS: No dogs allowed on this hike.

ADDRESS/DIRECTIONS: Due to limited parking at the trailhead, we will meet at the Overflow parking lot across from Trent Park and carpool from there to the trailhead which is only a 5 minute carpool. If you use google maps or Apple Maps, you can type in “Trent Park” and when you get there, you will see a dirt parking area across the street from the park. That is where we will meet. Look for my blue Subaru Outback. The address for Trent Park is 100 Willowbrook Rd., Silverthorne, CO 80498.

NOTE THAT THE OVERFLOW LOT IS CURRENTLY UNDER CONSTRUCTION. IF CONSTRUCTION HAS NOT ENDED BY THE TIME OF THIS HIKE, THERE ARE A COUPLE OTHER PLACES WE CAN MEET. I WILL AMEND THIS IF NECESSARY AS WE APPROACH THE HIKE DATE.

We wait 5 minutes for late arrivals…but no longer as that is inconsiderate to those arriving timely. So please allow extra time to get to the trailhead.

IMPORTANT: This is a participate at your own risk event! Life is risky. I am not a professional guide and am simply hosting this event. By signing up for this hike you acknowledge that you are capable of performing this hike and that you are solely responsible for your own safety.

NO SHOWS: If you are a no-show to 2 hikes, you will be booted from this meetup group. So please change your RSVP to “not going” if you are unable to make it.

WHAT YOU SHOULD BRING: Water, snacks, layers of clothing, good hiking shoes/boots, sunscreen, bug repellant, sunglasses, hat, gloves, hiking poles (if you find them helpful), and anything else you deem essential.

WEATHER: Here is the NOAA forecast for the hike location. For hourly temps, wind, precipitation, etc., click “Hourly Weather Forecast” in the upper right. https://forecast.weather.gov/MapClick.php?lat=39.648600000000044&lon=-106.17057999999997

REQUIRED WAIVER: Note that if you have not already done so, you must sign the updated waiver with our new meetup name prior to this hike. I will have copies at the trailhead that you can sign or you may print, sign, and bring it with you from the following website: https://www.dropbox.com/s/p728z28jjuwdzws/Waiver%20Corona.pdf?dl=0
If you choose to sign at the trailhead, please arrive early so that we can depart for the hike timely.