East Snowmass Trail

Dogs Leashed

Features Lake · River/Creek · Views · Waterfall · Wildflowers

The trailhead is just past a wooden bridge to the left off Divide Rd. Going past the sign and NPS map, you soon start a fairly steep pitch for about a mile with a few switchbacks. A forest of conifers with patches of aspen dominate undergrowth.

At the end of one of the switchbacks there is a waterfall that is spectacular during spring runoff. When you reach a White River National Forest sign, the trail levels out for another mile or so. After crossing a couple of glades and meadows there is an intersection where the Ditch Trail ends and a sign for the trail indicates a hard right hand turn. The trail generally follows the drainage from Willow Divide, 4,320 ft above the TH. After going through more forested areas, there are the first views worth noting.

The trail goes through alpine grassy meadows and then goes once more into a conifer forest. Once through the forest there is more open area populated by wildflowers in late spring; if you love flowers, this trail is a must!

After more switchbacks with a grade that varies from fairly steep to moderate, and meandering across seasonal washes, the trail begins to arc to the left after a while. Eventually you'll reach an unnamed pass at 12,700', from which point you can see Willow Lake far below. Drop down to the lake for a snack and a quick swim if it's a hot day, and then decide if you are going to head back to your starting point or continue past Willow Lake toward Willow Pass and Buckskin Pass. The access further into the Maroon Bells-Snowmass Wilderness is seemingly endless from this point.

Lots of wild flowers with aspen and conifer groves. Bear canisters are required and their use is strictly enforced.