Willow Creek Falls Hiking Guide: A Gore Range Classic

If you’re looking for one amazing hiking trail in Colorado that isn’t too far from Denver, the Willow Creek Falls trail is perfect. At seven miles and just a little over 1,100 feet of gain, it’s not too challenging, but it will still have your legs feeling tired by the end.

Plus, the views hiking into the Gore Range, Willow Creek, and the falls make for a magnificent hike for all ages. My wife and I really enjoyed this hike near Silverthorne and believe you will too! Keep reading to see photos and my trail report.

Trail Guide to Willow Creek Falls Near Silverthorne, Colorado

1-Minute Willow Creek Falls Hiking Information

We continued to the top of the waterfall, so our stats are a little different than what AllTrails may say.

two track trail looking at buffalo mountain on the way to wallace creek falls — Photo Credit: Alec Sills-Trausch

Distance: 7.22 miles
Elevation Gain: 1,440 feet
Difficulty: Moderate
Parking lot size: Smallish (~15-18)
Time on Trail: 3 hours, 20 minutes
Family-friendly hike
Dogs are allowed
Drones are not allowed (Federally designated wilderness area)
Willowbrook Trailhead location on Google Maps

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My Experience Hiking to Willow Creek Falls in the Gore Range

May is always a little rough for finding hiking trails in Colorado. The snow is melting, making trails muddy, or the dirt roads to higher-elevation trailheads are still closed. So, when I found Willow Creek Falls and saw the trail report of dry trails and an overall solid day hike, we jumped at it.

a bridge over a creek in a colorado forest — One of the short bridges you cross over on the way to Willow Creek Falls. Photo Credit: Alec Sills-Trausch

From Denver, it was an 80-minute drive to Silverthorne, and from there, less than 10 minutes to the trailhead.

I’ve gotta say, the Willow Creek Falls trail is phenomenal. The trail has decent total elevation gain, but it’s concentrated in two sections. This makes the majority of the trail mellow, though we were breathing hard on the final uphill to the falls.

a hiker on the willow creek falls trail going through a meadow — A lovely meadow you hike through. Photo Credit: Alec Sills-Trausch

The first 3/4 mile is along a creek, making for a super peaceful environment. Then, higher up, you pass through a meadow with lovely views of Buffalo Mountain and green forests.

After passing through the flat meadow area, your final incline begins to the falls. It’s not overly long, but we stopped for a break to catch our breath. At this point, you’re at or above 10,000 feet, so it’s not surprising we were breathing hard.

Willow Creek Falls

the upper portion of willow creek falls — Photo Credit: Alec Sills-Trausch

The falls are great! There’s the big one at the back, with most of the total falls’ length being more on the cascade side. I would venture a guess: from the top to the bottom, it is about 150-200 feet. But the actual waterfall is maybe 15-20 feet tall at max.

We enjoyed lunch and the views at the falls before hiking a bit higher above the falls, as we were told there was a mountain goat. And my wife had never seen one before, so we did a little excursion.

a mountain boat looks down from a rock — Photo Credit: Alec Sills-Trausch

a goat on a rock in front of buffalo mountain in colorado — Photo Credit: Alec Sills-Trausch

Right on the trail, above the falls, was a curious juvenile mountain goat. S/he was very interested in us as we meandered up top for 15 minutes before hiking back down. Each time we tried to get by, it would walk at us, so we retreated some.

Finally, an opening appeared, and we made our way safely by.

The walk down was beautiful, and over the next 75 minutes or so, we soaked in the views of the Colorado Rockies.

Travel Information From Denver

If traffic is light, this trail is very easy to get to. From Downtown Denver, it’s about an 80-minute drive to the trailhead. It’s almost entirely on I-70, with a few miles going through Silverthorne before driving into a neighborhood where the trailhead is located.

The parking area isn’t too big, maybe 15-20 cars can fit. When we arrived around 2:30, only a handful of cars were in the lot. I can only imagine that on a busy weekend, this fills up fast and stays that way all day. I’m not sure what the rules are for parking in the neighborhood.

the willow creek you hike next to for the first and last part of the hike — Photo Credit: Alec Sills-Trausch

Where to eat/drink nearby

There are a ton of options to choose from as you head back to Denver. We stopped at Angry James Brewery for a quick drink. There is food there, but it’s sandwiches and other bar foods. That wasn’t what we were in the mood for.
So we walked down the road a few hundred yards to Electric Bar and Grill. They have fantastic hamburgers, local beers, and cocktails.

I got the Barnyard Burger (basically a heart-attack burger, haha: 7oz of beef, bacon, pulled pork, and a fried egg). My wife got the Summit Mushroom Burger with goat cheese, pepper jelly, and more goodies.

Gear Suggestions for Colorado Hikes

Remember, when hiking in Colorado during the summer, afternoon storms are expected. Having a rain jacket is smart, and staying below ridgelines protects you from lightning.

Hat – either wide-brimmed or this Patagonia style
Sunblock
Trail Runners – Altra Lone Peaks are my go-to
Sun Shirt or Sunhoody – Colder conditions: REI Sahara Shade, Warmer Conditions: Patagonia C a pilene, Other good ones: Fjallraven Abisko, Outdoor Research Astroman
Hiking Shirt – Patagonia Capilene is my favorite
Hiking shorts – Fjallraven or these from Prana
Wool hiking socks – Darn Tough is fantastic
Sunglasses – Goodr are perfect without breaking the bank
Hiking Pack 15-25 liters is perfect for a day hike – This one’s on the smaller end, here’s a 25L option
At least 2L of water
Snacks and a sandwich – bring something salty to help with sodium replenishment

More Photos from the Willow Creek Falls Trail

Looking for more inspiration from the Willow Creek Falls hike? Here you go!

Need Lodging? Take a look at these areas near Silverthorne, Frisco, or Breckenridge.

Silverthorne is the closest town to the hike. But you can also find lodging in Frisco and Breckenridge. Breck is about a 25-30 minute drive south.

Final Thoughts on Hiking out to Willow Creek Falls

If you’re looking for a fantastic, moderate in difficulty hike in a beautiful place, the Willow Creek Falls trail is a perfect option. The Gore Range is stunning and has tons of routes into it. If you’re looking for summer backpacking trips in Colorado, this is one to key in on!

Until next time, adventurers, stay safe.

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