Willow Creek Approach and Backpacking Trip.

June 13, 2018

Willow Creek Approach and Backpacking Trip.

Who: Truby Family, Hardin Family, Mcnutterbutters, Lu, Pasquel Family
What: Backpack to Willow Lake in the Sangre De Cristo Mountains
When: June 9, 2018
Where: Sangre De Cristo Mountains, Rio Grande National Forest, Crestone, CO.
Why: "Because it's there"

June 9, Day 1: Approach to Willow Lake to set up camp.
Most of us started back home within 24 hours of the start of the climb...so there was no period of acclimatization. However, we're all used to the mountains...experienced enough...so we just started up it.
Start time at TH 12:30 pm...Up to camp right before the lake between 5:30-7:30 p.m
Mileage to Camp: 4.5 miles (although three separate GPS read 5.5 miles)
Elevation Gain: 2850'
Warm day...Three water crossings. First one is seconds after you leave TH. Second water crossing is 1st legitimate water source to refill...then above the headwall is another water crossing. Of course the lake is the third source of water.

Not everyone is pictured...but there were 4 official groups, totaling 17 people...Crazy thing is, the other two groups were from our hometown too. One lives in my neighborhood.

This trail has many, many, many switchbacks...they do not end.

Around mile 2, you see the Meadow to your right...and see the route up the headwall. Challenger is Peak on right and you cant quite see Kit Carson.

One of my goals for 2018 was to get my girls out on a legit backpacking trip...this meant they carried their gear, helped out around camp, everything...they kicked butt and I am very proud of them.