Hope Pass from the Willis Gulch Trailhead

Dogs Leashed

Features Views · Wildflowers

This route is a section of the Leadville Trail 100 running race and has become very popular with trail runners as well as hikers looking for great views and wildflowers. The above treeline section is gorgeous.

There can be snow on the trail above treeline into June.

The trail below treeline does not drain well and can turn into a stream making it difficult to run down when it is raining.

Park the Willis Gulch trailhead, cross the bridge, and follow the Willis Creek trail trail east for about half a mile to the junction of the Willis Gulch Cutoff. Follow the Willis Gulch Cutoff trail uphill and contour for about a mile to reach the Willis Gulch Trail and follow that trail uphill to the south. After 0.4 miles, you'll reach the Big Willis Gulch Trail junction. Do not take the right on the Big Willis Gulch Trail. Stay straight on the trail to Hope Pass, eventually passing through clearings with increasingly better views. From treeline to the pass is about a mile on a mostly gradual trail with switchbacks. Enjoy the views at the pass then retrace your route back down.