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Talk about a great run up a beautiful drainage! Earn stunning views of the East Thorn.


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Map Key

10.3

Miles

16.6

KM

79%

Runnable

11,289' 3,441 m

High

8,988' 2,739 m

Low

2,415' 736 m

Up

2,415' 736 m

Down

9%

Avg Grade (5°)

34%

Max Grade (19°)

Dogs Leashed

Features Lake · River/Creek · Swimming · Views · Wildflowers · Wildlife

The parking at the Willowbrook Trailhead is limited. There is overflow parking at the bottom of the subdivision (1.1 miles from the trailhead). On-street parking is NOT allowed near the trailhead or anywhere in this neighborhood.

Overview

This heavily forested approach reaches a high alpine lake, along they way, take notice of the entire Gore Range, it won't be hard to miss! Work on those high knees as there may be numerous downed trees.

The trail can be a burden in the rain as it becomes a running creek. Try to hit it on a warm clear summer day. There are rocks strewn about the trail, so your foot placement will need to be calculated.

Once you arrive at Salmon Lake, you'll get a beautiful view of the East Thorn and its gnar-ness. If you're really feeling adventurous, go for a scramble up the East Thorn and get your exposure on!

Description

The trailhead is located at the top of the Willowbrook neighborhood and is forested pretty much the entire way to the lake. There are a few lookout areas facing east where you can see the mountains on the divide.

Be prepared for a steady climb to the high alpine Salmon Lake. There is not much in the way of respite (is there ever in the Gore Range?), but it's beautiful the entire way. At about 3.8 miles, you'll head left to stay on the North Willow Lake Trail and veer off of the Gore Range Trail. Your next junction will be shortly after 4.5 miles when you split right and head up to Salmon Lake, this is well signed. Once you reach the lake, you'll be able to catch a glimpse of the drainage you just conquered, and, of course, the East Thorn.

Contacts

Shared By:

Matthew Coye

Trail Ratings

  4.2 from 12 votes

#2409

Overall
  4.2 from 12 votes
5 Star
42%
4 Star
42%
3 Star
8%
2 Star
8%
1 Star
0%
Recommended Route Rankings

#413

in Colorado

#2,409

Overall
8 Views Last Month
13,634 Since Mar 14, 2015
Intermediate/Difficult Intermediate/Difficult

0%
0%
45%
18%
36%
0%

Photos

Staring up into the abyss that is the East Thorne!
Mar 19, 2015 near Silvert…, CO
Enjoy intermittent views to the southwest heading on the Salmon Lake Trail.
Jun 26, 2017 near Silvert…, CO
The East Thorne gnar hanging in the clouds
Mar 19, 2015 near Silvert…, CO
Enjoy the view looking out over Salmon Lake.
Jun 18, 2017 near Silvert…, CO
Scenic overlook
Jun 15, 2024 near Silvert…, CO
Heading up on the North Willow Lake Trail, views of the neighboring peaks abound.
Jun 26, 2017 near Silvert…, CO

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Check-Ins

Jun 9, 2018
Alex Noonan
Made a wrong turn at the start so added a couple miles with a mini loop with the Gore Range from Mesa Cortina. 12.6mi
Aug 6, 2017
Kelly Tuomala
10.3mi
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