Hiking – Willow Lakes

This is considered a challenging hike by CMC standards.  While the overall elevation is relatively low, there is still over 2,700 feet of elevation gain.  It is also likely to be hot in early July.

As always, please be considerate of your fellow CMCers who are dedicating one of their days off and time to this hike.  Do not sign up if this is beyond your ability to complete at the indicated pace.  While this hike stays under tree line, reducing lightning risk, I would like to be back to the trailhead by 1230 at the latest.  If we can maintain the indicated 2.5 mph pace, and get on trail by 0645, that gives us approximately 4.75 hours of hiking and an hour total for breaks, nutrition, and enjoying the lakes.  This plan is subject to change as the weather forecast becomes more clear.

Weather for Willow Lakes area.

We will meet in the Silverthorne Target parking lot at 0630.  We will consolidate into no more than two vehicles for the short trip to the trailhead.  Parking at the trailhead is extremely limited, hence the early-ish start time.  Even then, there is a chance we will have to park in the overflow parking at the bottom of the neighborhood, adding 2 miles roundtrip to our adventure.

For people coming from the front range, suggested carpool location is the Wooly Mammoth Park and Ride section BB at 0520 for a 00530 departure to arrive at the meeting location in Silverthorne by 0630.