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A 4.5-mile shady loop with some elevation and views of Buffalo Mountain and Silverthorne.


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Map Key

5.0

Miles

8.1

KM

88%

Runnable

9,680' 2,951 m

High

8,987' 2,739 m

Low

805' 245 m

Up

806' 246 m

Down

6%

Avg Grade (3°)

23%

Max Grade (13°)

Dogs Leashed

Features Birding · Fall Colors · River/Creek · 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

With creek crossings through sometimes rocky terrain, wildlife aplenty, and elevation change enough to keep it interesting, this is a good 4.5 mile "local's loop" in the high country of Summit County.

Description

From the trailhead, the trail splits almost immediately; stay to the left, on South Willowbrook Trail #9154, which leads you over some wooden bridge creek crossings and starts your gradual climb up. South Willowbrook Trail lasts just over a mile before it terminates at Mesa Cortina Trail. For this loop, when in doubt, take a right.

Continue up and, at 1.5 miles in, the trail will connect off to the right with the Gore Range Trail. If you want to see the waterfalls instead of doing this route, just keep going up following the signs. For the loop listed here, hop on the Gore Range Trail and continue making your climb up, taking in the views of Buffalo Mountain, Silverthorne, and beyond. The trail is quite rocky in areas and has lots of roots in others.

When the trail comes to a T, again go right on North Willow Lake Trail as it begins its descent back to the trailhead. On this trail there are more small creek crossings, chances for wildflower viewing, and tall pines. At the next T, again take the right onto Ditches Trail which will take you back to the parking lot. This is a nice shady run with beautiful views and well-marked trails.

Flora & Fauna

Moose seen often in the area, plus the regular collection of mountain critters including the occasional bear.

Contacts

Shared By:

Heidi Ihrke with improvements by Kelley Dearing

Trail Ratings

  4.0 from 8 votes

#3397

Overall
  4.0 from 8 votes
5 Star
25%
4 Star
50%
3 Star
25%
2 Star
0%
1 Star
0%
Recommended Route Rankings

#534

in Colorado

#3,397

Overall
33 Views Last Month
15,221 Since Jul 16, 2018
Intermediate Intermediate

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Photos

Scenic overlook
Jun 15, 2024 near Silvert…, CO
Stream crossing
Aug 5, 2022 near Silvert…, CO
Bridge crossings
Jul 19, 2018 near Silvert…, CO
Scenic overlook
Jun 15, 2024 near Silvert…, CO
Heading back down to the Willowbrook Trailhead after a solid run!
Mar 19, 2015 near Silvert…, CO
Shady relief on the trail on a high country afternoon
Jul 19, 2018 near Silvert…, CO

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May 28, 2024
Jordan G
5mi
Jun 28, 2021
Cal Brophy
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