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Below:
Gore range trail junction about three quarters of a mile into
the hike. |
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Description:
This hike involves a significant elevation gain but the rewards
are indescribable - kind of like the soreness you'll feel the
next day if you are not in shape!
Shortly after beginning your hike you
cross a wooden bridge and ascend some steps. About thirty yards or
so you'll see a trailboard sign on your right. Two trails intersect
from the left at this point and you need to take the second one. If
you are confused you can walk over to the map located on the sign to
your right (north). |
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A short walk then brings you to a sign
marking the boundary of the Eagles Nest Wilderness area. After about
three quarters of a mile the Gore Range Trail enters from the left
crossing a mountain stream - (there is a trail sign here too - see
above right) you stay straight here and follow the Gore Range Trail
until its junction with the Willow Lakes Trail. This is about 2 and
one quarter miles from the start of the hike. (photo: right)
Follow this trail for another two miles or so while enjoying the
switchbacks and 800' elevation gain to the Salmon Lake Trail which
appears on your right. (below right) |
Below:
Willow Lakes Trail junction at about two and a quarter miles
into the hike
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Above: Great views of the Gore Range as you head toward the
junction with the Willow Lakes Trail. |
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A steep ascent of several hundred yards brings you to the
spectacular Salmon Lake at about 11,165'.
Trace your steps back to the trail
intersection and sign. Hang a right there, and follow the trail back
to the Willow Lakes area. |
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Above:
View from the Willow Lakes Trail. |
Above: Sign marking trail up to Salmon Lake |
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You will cross two streams before coming
to the first of three Willow Lakes. If you go to all of the lakes it
will add at least another mile to your hike from Salmon Lake but is
well worth it. If you have your license and some equipment, try your
luck in Willow Lakes. We did and pulled out more than a dozen trout.
Your elevation at the last lake will be approx. 11,390'. |
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Above:
Destination # 1: Salmon Lake |
Above: Another shot of Salmon Lake |
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Spectacular views of Red Peak and the
saw tooth Gore Range abound throughout this hike making it one of
the most stunning wilderness experiences in Colorado.
Be sure to purchase a copy of the "Summit, Vail & Holy Cross" Trail
Map from Weber's bookstore on Main Street in Breckenridge before
heading into the backcountry!! |
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Above:
Another one of Willow Lakes |
Above: Scenery along the trail... between the lakes |
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"I LIKE TO BE ON TOP"
t-shirt and other merchandise
Click logo at left! |
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beginner
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intermediate
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advanced
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Black
Powder Pass
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Mohawk
Lake
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Quandary
Peak
14,265' |
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Lily
Pad
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Chihuahua
Gulch
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Lincoln & Bross
14,291' / 14,177' |
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St.
John's
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Mt.
Royal
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Bierstadt Peak
14,060' |
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Mayflower Gulch |
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Wheeler Lakes |
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Willow & Salmon Lakes |
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Loveland Pass |
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Radical Hill Trail |
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Upper Crystal Lake |
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Salt Lick
Trail |
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McCullough Gulch |
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Gray's & Torrey's
14,278' / 14,267' |
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Mesa
Cortina Trail |
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Mt.
Sniktau |
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Mt. Democrat
14,152' |
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St. Mary's Glacier |
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North
Ten Mile Trail |
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Mt.
Victoria |
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Sally Barber Mine |
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Willow
Falls |
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Mt.
Elbert
14,433' |
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Oro
Grande Trail |
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Eaglesmere Lakes |
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Buffalo Mountain
12,777' |
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Meadow Creek-Salt Lick |
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Mosquito Pass |
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Eccles Pass |
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Shrine Mountain
Trail |
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Webster Pass |
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NEW!
- Mt. Huron 14,003' |
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Ptarmigan Trail |
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Peaks Tr. Barton Gulch |
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NEW!
-
Hoosier Pass Loop |
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