Willow Creek Falls via South Willow Creek Trail is a peaceful trail through rich forests, the sounds of bubbling creeks, moose sightings, and a beautiful waterfall befriended by a Big Horn Sheep.
Stats and Map to Trailhead are located at the bottom.
Easy trekking for the first 3 miles makes for a family-friendly adventure. Water crossings add to the adventure. Today water is high from snowmelt and rapidly flowing, sometimes over the banks. (it’s late June)
Some of my favorite Colorado wildflowers, Red Columbine, and Buttercup are abundant the closer we get to the falls. After a long winter this year, wildflowers are thrilling to see and know summer is beginning!
Love wildflowers? Bring along the “Wildflowers of the Rocky Mountain Region” field guide.
When the trail becomes rugged, narrow, and steeper, you have about a 1/2 mile to go. The sounds of the falls fill the air, and anticipation is high.
The falls are magnificent, with small areas of rocks to linger and explore. Tucked up alongside the falls is a Big Horn Sheep who appears very curious. Oh, so exciting; this is a first for me in the wild, on a forest hike. Generally, I find them on summit hikes.
Wandering closer to us without fear, we kept a watchful eye and took many photos!
The views at the waterfall are just as exciting as the falls towering high above us, with mini waterfalls cascading down the mountainside from snowmelt.
Wanting to adventure further, we headed up the Gore Range Trail (located just before Willow Falls). Gorgeous past the falls. This is steep and rocky. Before long, we encountered snow fields and turned back after a mile up.
A trail you want to be prepared for with appropriate hiking gear. At high altitudes, dehydration plus fickle weather is always something to consider.
It was worth the extra mile with views like the photo above. If you are not used to hiking, the Gore Range Trail makes this hike more challenging.
Beautiful beginner hike to the falls. It’s long but doable for any healthy person acclimated to the altitude.
South Willow Creek Trail begins at Willowbrook Trailhead
7.1 miles out & back
Rated: Moderate
1,108′ elevation gain
Nearest Town: Silverthorne, CO
No Restrooms
Limited Parking
Family-friendly
Leashed dogs ok
> Friends of Dillon Ranger District
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HIKES NEARBY
Can't wait to see you on the trail!
