wildernet

Leadville Ranger District

Quick Facts

Willis Gulch Trail

Beginning Elevation:	9,420 Feet (2936.4 Meters)
Difficulty:	Moderate
Elevation:	9,400 Feet (2930.2 Meters)
Elevation Gain:	2,630 Feet (819.8 Meters)
Ending Elevation:	12,050 Feet (3756.2 Meters) Willis Mine
Length, One-way:	5.5 Miles (9.17 Kilometers)
Other Maps:	Trails Illustrated 127 Aspen, Independence Pass
Trail Number:	1,473

		Satellite and Topo Map

General Description

This is a moderate hike with an elevation gain of 2,400 feet. The end destination is Willis Lake and a mine just beyond the lake . The trailhead is shared with Little Willis Gulch with hiking access to Hope Pass. The trailhead can be found 2 miles west of Twin Lakes Village on Highway 82. Look for a parking lot off to the left (south). The trail is accessed south across the bridge over Lake Creek. Follow the road to the trail on the left side. The first part of the trail is very steep.

Directions from Twin Lakes: The trailhead can be found two miles west of Twin Lakes Village on Highway 82. Look for a parking lot to the left (south) of the road. The trail is accessed south across the bridge over Lake Creek. Follow the road to the trail on the left side.

Seasonal Information:
Normally Accessible: May through September (NOTE: Snow may obstruct the trail at high elevations.) .

		Current Conditions & Trip Reports
		Add your own trip Report! Newly re-released feature. One of the most popular features on Wildernet, trip reports allow you to share your experiences with others. This is an invaluable resource for determining what to expect on your outdoor adventure, so please participate! To prevent spamming, you must be a registered user of Wildernet in order to submit a trip report Number of People Encountered: 0-10 ppl Recommend to a Friend: Highly Report: This is a great hike to a beautiful alpine lake. The last mile to the lake is exposed so don't try your luck in an electrical storm. The trail is obstructed by trees, but nothing that can't be easily navigated.

Recreation Opportunities

Activity		Remarks	On Site
	Hiking & Walking	Willis Gulch Trail	Yes
	Horseback Riding	Big Willis Gulch Trail	Yes
	Mountain Biking	Big Willis Gulch Trail	Yes
	Motorcycle Riding	Big Willis Gulch Trail	Yes

Related Activities

Colorado Trail (Halfmoon to Twin Lakes) - This segment of the Colorado Trail begins in the Halfmoon Drainage and continues for approximately 6 miles to the Lakeview Campground above Twin Lakes.

Colorado Trail (Twin Lakes to Clear Creek Rd.) - This segment of the Colorado Trail leads from Twin Lakes Reservoir to Clear Creek Road. It is a popular segment that is used by many runners training for the long-distance foot race the Leadville 100.

Echo Canyon Trail - This is a short but steep trail. Excellent opportunities for viewing high alpine scenery and wildlife.

Hope Pass Trail - Hope Pass is also the Colorado Trail that leads to Clear Creek Road. There is about 3,200 feet elevation gain up to 12,500 feet at the pass.

Parry Peak Campground - Perry Peak Campground is located west of Twin Lakes Reservoir on Highway 82. Many recreation opportunities are accessible from this campground including fishing, canoeing, hiking, motorcycle riding, four-wheel driving and mountain biking.

Twin Peaks Campground - There are five Forest Service Campgrounds in the Twin Lakes area: Dexter, Lakeview, Parry Peak, Twin Peaks and White Star. Thirty-nine sites are available at Twin Peaks Campground on a first come, first serve basis,