Near South Willowbrook Loop
Stream crossing
Near South Willowbrook Loop
Bridge crossings
Near South Willowbrook Loop
Heading back down to the Willowbrook Trailhead after a solid run!
Near South Willowbrook Loop
Shady relief on the trail on a high country afternoon
Near South Willowbrook Loop
Yellow Jacket next, right over the trail

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Driving Directions
Hike Route

South Willowbrook Loop

4.0 (8 Ratings)
A 4.5-mile shady loop with some elevation and views of Buffalo Mountain and Silverthorne.
4.7
mi
Distance
892
ft
Gain
moderate
Difficulty
BirdingFall ColorsRiver/CreekViewsWaterfallWildflowersWildlife
Access Issues
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.

Route Details

Flatter
Steeper
4.66mi
Distance
892ft
Elevation Gain
892ft
Elevation Loss
35%
Max Grade
9,686ft
High Point
8,983ft
Low Point
Path Type
Loop
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 hike with beautiful views and well-marked trails.

Route Conditions

Report Conditions
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Contributors
Heidi Ihrke