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Leadville Ranger District

Quick Facts

Hope Pass Trail

Beginning Elevation:	9,420 Feet (2936.4 Meters) Big Willis Trailhead
Difficulty:	Difficult
Elevation Gain:	3,200 Feet (997.5 Meters)
Ending Elevation:	12,580 Feet (3921.4 Meters) Hope Pass
Length, One-way:	5 Miles (8.33 Kilometers)

General Description

This trailhead is shared with Big Willis Gulch, two miles west of Twin Lakes Village on Highway 82. Hope Pass is also the Colorado Trial that passes over to the Clear Creek Road. There is about 3,200 feet elevation gain up to 12,500 feet, so it offers extraordinary views. Visitors should plan on a full day of hiking. This is a popular trail run, as it is the "crux" of the infamous Leadville Trail 100 foot race!

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 right side.

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

Current Conditions & Trip Reports

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Recreation Opportunities

Activity		Remarks	On Site
	Hiking & Walking	Hope Pass Trail	Yes
	Horseback Riding	Hope Pass Trail	Yes
	Mountain Biking	Hope Pass Trail	Yes

Related Activities

Clohesy's Lake Four-Wheel Drive Road - This road is a fork from Clear Creek Road that leads to Clohesy's Lake with hiker access to Pear Lake. Clohesy's Lake Road is recommended for high clearance vehicles only as it is extremely rough.

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.

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.

Sheep Gulch Trail - Sheep Gulch Trail also harbors traffic of the Colorado Trail and the Continental Divide Trail. Hope Pass offers extraordinary views of the Collegiate Peaks with exceptional views of Missouri Mountain, Mt. Belford, Mt. Oxford and Huron Peak.

South Fork Clear Creek Four-Wheel Drive Road - The South Fork of Clear Creek Road begins at Winfield and ends at the road closure just south of the Banker Mine. The road is extremely rough and recommended for high clearance vehicles only.

Willis Gulch Trail - 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 .