BPX 3-Day: Willow and Salmon Lakes from Mesa Cortina TH
Hike into the Eagles Nest Wilderness for wildflowers, fishing, and great alpine lake scenery, just below the high edge of the Gore Range. This difficult 18 miles and 2,900 vertical feet out-and-back gets takes you to a beautiful cirque with several lakes.
Suggested Backpacking Section (BPX) itinerary for 3-day trip to be used for CMC trips led by BPX leaders for BPX members.
Day 1. Hike on the Mesa Cortina Trail (#32) for approximately 3 miles until the intersection of the Gore Range Trail (# 60). Turn right (north) at the intersection with the Gore Range Trail. Continue on the Gore Range Trail for approximately 3 miles to the intersection with the Willow Lakes Trail (#36). Turn right. Continue on Willow Lakes trail about 3 miles to Willow Lakes and establish camp. (9 miles/2900’)
Day 2. Fish, day hike to Salmon Lake (3.3 miles, +/-700’ RT to camp), or relax in camp.
Day 3. Return to the trailhead. (9 miles/-2900’).
Driving Directions: Drive west on I-70 to Exit 205 (Silverthorne). Go north on CO 9. Turn left onto Wilderness Rd at the traffic light. Wilderness Rd becomes Ryan Gulch. Turn right on Buffalo Drive. Where Buffalo Drive dead ends, take a right. Take next left onto Lakeview Dr. Turn left on Aspen Dr., Mesa Cortina TH is on right.
- Suitable Activities: Backpacking
- Seasons: July, August, September
- Weather: View weather forecast
- Difficulty: Difficult
- Length: 18.0 mi
- Elevation Gain: 2,900 ft
- 11,453 ft
-
Land Manager:
U.S. Forest Service
Dillon Ranger District (WRNF)
- Parking Permit Required: USFS Permits & Passes
- Recommended Party Size: 6
- Maximum Party Size: 12
- Maximum Route/Place Capacity: 12
- Trails Illustrated 108
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