Willow Lake #1978
ALERTS:
• Bear canisters are required for all backpackers in the Maroon Bells-Snowmass Wilderness.
• Advance reservation permits are required for overnight stays in the Maroon Bells - Snowmass Wilderness Overnight Permit Zones.
The Willow Lake trail starts at Maroon Lake and follows lakeside until it climbs on rocky paths through the aspens to a rock “garden” before it descends to Crater Lake. At Crater Lake the trail forks to the right and climbs steeply through aspen and spruce forest to Minnehaha Gulch. A stream divides the gulch in half with campsites available before and after the stream crossing. The trail continues its steep ascent exiting the gulch into an alpine meadow with Buckskin Pass looming ahead. Camping is prohibited in the meadow. A trail sign for the Maroon-Snowmass/Willow Lake Junction appears in another 1/2 mile. Take the right fork. Follow the trail which traverses the hillside then switchbacks steeply into a basin where Willow Pass looms ahead. Another series of steep switchbacks leads to the top of the pass and provides a view of Willow Lake off to the right. Willow Lake is about 1-1/2 miles farther.
At a Glance
Reservations: | Summer travel on Maroon Creek Road is restricted. Reservations are required to access the Maroon Bells Scenic Area by vehicle or Roaring Fork Transit Authority( RFTA) shuttle. Some Maroon Bells - Snowmass Wilderness trailheads are within the Maroon Bells Scenic Area. See Maroon Bells Scenic Area for specific access and logistics. |
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Fees: | Fees are charged for high season overnight stays in permitted zones of the Maroon Bells - Snowmass Wilderness, and for parking and shuttle reservations at Maroon Bells Scenic Area. |
Permit Info: | A permit is required for overnight stays in Maroon Bells-Snowmass Wilderness Overnight Permit Zones. This permit must be acquired in advance at recreation.gov. For all other overnight trips |
Usage: | Heavy |
Restrictions: | Maroon Bells - Snowmass Wilderness regulations protect this special place:
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Closest Towns: | Aspen |
Water: | Filter and treat all water |
Restroom: | No restrooms in Wilderness; see Restrictions |
Information Center: | Supervisor's Office: 900 Grand Ave. Glenwood Springs, CO 81601 970-945-2521 |
General Information
Directions:Located 10 miles southwest of Aspen, Colorado, on Maroon Creek Road. From Highway 82 take the Maroon Creek Road exit at the roundabout on the West edge of town. Follow Maroon Creek Road to the Maroon Bells Welcome Station.
Coming to Aspen via Independence Pass: Take Highway 82 West from downtown Aspen 1 mile to the roundabout (rotary). From the roundabout, take Maroon Creek Road 4.7 miles to the Maroon Bells Welcome Station. You will pass Aspen High school and Aspen Highlands Ski Area on the way to the Maroon Bells Welcome Station, Independence Pass (Highway 82) is normally open from Memorial Day through mid-October, weather dependent. If you are planning an event during these times, please call the Colorado Department of Transportation Hotline for road updates at (877) 315-7623.
Coming to Aspen via Glenwood Springs: Take Highway 82 for 40 miles to the roundabout (rotary). From the roundabout, take Maroon Creek Road 4.7 miles to the Welcome Station.