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BPX 3-Day: Willow and Salmon Lakes from Mesa Cortina TH


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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: Starting from the Mesa Cortina TH 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 (# 60).  Continue on the Gore Range Trail (# 60) for approximately 3  miles to the intersection with the Willow Lakes Trail (#36). Turn right. Continue on Willow Lakes Trail (#36) about 3 miles to Willow Lakes and establish camp (9 miles, +2,834 / -618 ft.).

Route: Day 1

Day 2: Fish, or take a day hike to Salmon Lake (3.3 miles, +-712 ft.), or relax in camp.

Optional Day Hike: Salmon Lake (3.3 miles, +-712 ft.)

Day 3: Return to the trailhead (9 miles, +618 / -2,900 ft.).

Route: Day 3

Overall Route: 18 miles, +-3,543 ft.

NOTES:

  1. Always practice Leave No Trace techniques.
  2. More information about Eagles Nest Wilderness is available here.
  3. Driving Directions: From the Colorado Mountain Club (Golden, CO) to the Mesa Cortina TH. 
  • Difficulty: Difficult
  • Length: 18.0 mi
  • Elevation Gain: 3,543 ft
  • 11,453 ft
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  • Trails Illustrated 108
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