Big Willis Gulch Trail

From the parking area turn left to cross a well-made bridge over Lake Creek. Begin a steady incline until reaching a fork in the trail at the Upper Twin Lake Trail at about 0.4 miles. Stay right and begin steadily climbing over the next half mile. Along the way, enjoy great views of Twin Lakes to the Northeast. After climbing about 400 feet, the trail flattens out through a dense, sweet smelling ponderosa forest. Cross a wooden bridge before immediately turning right to join with the Continental Divide Trail. Climb steadily before reaching another fork in the trail at 1.6 miles. Keep right on the Big Willis Gulch Trail. Continue to ascend the steepest section of the trail. Before reaching the end of the crux of the route, cross two streams on primitive log bridges. At 2.8 miles, stop to fill water and enjoy the views of a pristine meadow along the creek. Hike onto a rocky outcropping for 0.2 miles before continuing on a slight incline in and out of the treeline, enjoying two ruined log cabins on the right of the trail. After a few miles on relatively flat ground, pass a small mountain lake to the south before coming around the corner to get the first glimpse of Willis Lake. Pristine waters hold Cutthroat Trout for excellent fishing while the mountain bowl offers views of Rinker Peak, Mount Hope, and Mount Blaurock.