EAST SNOWMASS TRAIL #1977 to Willow Lake

EAST SNOWMASS TRAIL #1977 to Willow Lake

Length: 8.5 miles one-way (13.7 km)

Difficulty: Difficult

Trail Use: Low

Beginning Elevation: 8,360 feet (2548 m)

Ending Elevation: 12,680 feet (3865 m)

USGS Map(s): Maroon Bells, Highland Peak

PERMIT INFORMATION: In order to provide quality recreation experiences and to protect the wilderness lands the Forest Service must gather data regarding visitor use and travel patterns. Each party overnighting in the Maroon Bells-Snowmass Wilderness is required to self-register at the Trailhead and to carry a copy of the registration with them during their visit. There is no fee charged and no limit to the number of permits issued.

DAY/BACKPACKING OVERVIEW: This trail is good for hiking, backpacking and horseback travel. The camping is limited due to the steep terrain. This trail is less popular than the Maroon-Snowmass Trail. It has very steep sections and may contain snowfields until late July.

ACCESS: Drive 6 miles west of Aspen on Highway 82 and turn left onto Brush Creek Road. Continue on Brush Creek Road 5.4 miles and turn right onto Divide Road. Divide Road turns into a gravel road and passes the Krabloonik Restaurant and Kennels. The road descends steeply to the valley bottom where the road forks. Take the left fork, the trailhead will be just beyond the wooden bridge, on the left side of the road. The Maroon-Snowmass Trail to Snowmass Lake is at the end of the gravel road.

NARRATIVE: The trail begins ascending steeply and forks to the right in about one mile. The trail continues through spruce, aspen and pine forests for approximately 3 miles. It then breaks out into a meadow before continuing a moderately steep climb. There are some steeper sections that require caution. Once on East Snowmass Pass, the descent to Willow Lake is via switchbacks through a steep boulder field. The last mile meanders through rolling tundra to Willow Lake.

ETHICS/REGULATIONS: The East Snowmass Creek Trail is within the Maroon Bell-Snowmass Wilderness, please educate yourself about Wilderness Ethics and the following rules:

* DOGS MUST BE LEASHED out of consideration for both other people and wildlife.

* Limit group sizes to 10 people and 15 stock/pack animals.

* SANITATION - bury human waste 100 feet from water and 6 inches in the soil.

* Lightweight campstoves are recommended and required above the timberline.

PACK IT IN—PACK IT OUT!! LEAVE NO TRACE!!

Alerts & Notices - http://www.fs.usda.gov/alerts/whiteriver/alerts-notices

Aspen Ranger District

806 W. Hallam

Aspen, CO 81611

(970) 925-3445—Voice

(970) 925-5277—Fax

United States Department of Agriculture

White River
National Forest
900 Grand Ave.
Glenwood Springs CO 81601
970-945-2521

Contact Us http://www.fs.usda.gov/contactus/whiteriver/about-forest/contactus