My boys and I backpacked to Willow Lake in the Sangre de Cristo mountain range near Crestone, CO last weekend. It is a challenging hike, but the beautiful lake at the end of the hike makes it a rewarding one. It is surrounded by mountains in a narrow bowl including Kit Carson and Challenger peaks, two fourteeners. The trail climbs 2900 feet in 5 miles and is not for the faint of heart.
The hike begins by climbing steadily up switchbacks through aspen and coniferous forest. After a mile, the switchbacks steepen as the trail climbs to a meadow (this is the second hardest portion of the hike). Views of Kit Carson peak open up here. Catch your breath as the next half mile is the only easy section of trail. The trail descends near the meadow and then begins a steady climb upward. More switchbacks await as you climb through the forest. Around the 2.5 mile mark, you will pass a large campsite on the left. The trail continues up switchbacks until leveling off briefly at a stream crossing at mile 3.5. Rest here and take in the pretty waterfall because the next half mile is the steepest of the trail. The trail climbs up through rock scree as it scales a sheer rock face. This section was as steep as any mountain pass I’ve climbed.
The demoralizing aspect of the trail hits you in the last section. You’d think you’d be done after the last ascent, but there is still another mile to go with yes more switchbacks. You finally arrive at a meadow below Willow Lake where camping is allowed. No camping is allowed at the lake itself. The meadow will be crowded as climbers hiking Kit Carson and Challenger use it as a base camp.
Finally, if you want to visit Willow Lake climb past the meadow on a steep, rocky path. A social trail through downed timber skirts some of the shoreline. Great views await at the lake with a waterfall draining into the back of the lake as an added bonus. The reflections in the lake were amazing near sunset. The only drawback is that very little of the surrounding mountains are lit with sunlight as the bowl faces diagonally and not much direct sunlight hits the basin. Also, don’t expect to find many fish in the lake. I saw only one brook trout.
Getting There
To reach the trailhead for Willow Lake (or South Crestone Lake), take Highway 17 to Moffat (between ALamosa and Salida) and turn east onto County Road T. Follow the road to the town of Crestone and then follow the signs for the Willow trailhead. A rough two mile dirt road takes you to the trailhead. A small parking lot holds about 30 cars, so be prepared to park down the road during busy days.
Kit Carson Peak, Willow Lake trail, Sangre de Cristo range, Crestone, CO
Kit Carson Peak, Willow Lake trail, Sangre de Cristo range, Crestone, CO
Cascade, Willow Lake trail,, Sangre de Cristo range, Crestone, CO
Columbine, Willow Lake trail,, Sangre de Cristo range, Crestone, CO
View of Meadow, Willow Lake trail, Sangre de Cristo range, Crestone, CO
Kit Carson Peak, Willow Lake trail,, Sangre de Cristo range, Crestone, CO
Sunset, Willow Lake, Sangre de Cristo range, Crestone, CO
Sunset, Willow Lake, Sangre de Cristo range, Crestone, CO
Sunset, Willow Lake, Sangre de Cristo range, Crestone, CO
Sunset, Willow Lake, Sangre de Cristo range, Crestone, CO
Sunset, Willow Lake, Sangre de Cristo range, Crestone, CO
Sunset, Willow Lake, Sangre de Cristo range, Crestone, CO
Sunset, Willow Lake, Sangre de Cristo range, Crestone, CO
Willow Lake outlet, Sangre de Cristo range, Crestone, CO
Willow Lake outlet, Sangre de Cristo range, Crestone, CO
stars, Willow Lake, Sangre de Cristo range, Crestone, CO
stars, Willow Lake, Sangre de Cristo range, Crestone, CO
stars, Willow Lake, Sangre de Cristo range, Crestone, CO
stars, Willow Lake, Sangre de Cristo range, Crestone, CO
Willow Lake, Sangre de Cristo range, Crestone, CO
Willow Lake, Sangre de Cristo range, Crestone, CO