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Willow Creek Approach

Posted: Mon Feb 04, 2013 11:09 am
by Rambler
Question: Hiking to Willow Lake to camp in late July before a Kit Carson/Challenger attempt. How long from trailhead to the Lake? We'll have 40 pound packs and just wanted to know how late we can start to get to the lake and set up camp with plenty of time before it gets dark. I've seen about 3 hrs give or take and just wanted opinons of those who have done it. Thanks for any help.

Re: Willow Creek Approach

Posted: Mon Feb 04, 2013 11:39 am
by ThuChad
Took my group 4 hours at a slow pace w/ overnight packs. Stopped for a 20 minute break. 3-4 hours is a safe bet.

Re: Willow Creek Approach

Posted: Mon Feb 04, 2013 11:44 am
by randalmartin
Rambler wrote:We'll have 40 pound packs
40lb packs for an overnight? I presume that means you will be carrying a lot of beer! :-D

Re: Willow Creek Approach

Posted: Mon Feb 04, 2013 11:51 am
by SurfNTurf
It took me and one other 2.5 hours with 25- to 30-pound packs. We set up camp about 10-15 minutes below the lake. So yeah, three hours is a good estimate, maybe a bit longer if you're really carrying that much weight.

Re: Willow Creek Approach

Posted: Mon Feb 04, 2013 1:44 pm
by Rambler
Ha ha, yeah randalmartin I may have overestimated the pack load #-o I'm sure it'll be closer to thirty if that.
Thanks for the feedback SurfNTurf and ThuChad

Re: Willow Creek Approach

Posted: Mon Feb 04, 2013 7:19 pm
by semitrueskerm
I would plan for 4 hours. It's nice to have that extra hour built in so you don't feel like you are rushing up to set up before the sun goes down. Keep me posted when you go, as I would be interested in joining.

Re: Willow Creek Approach

Posted: Tue Feb 05, 2013 11:20 pm
by globreal
I think I remember it was about 5 miles and I plan for 1 mph....so if you wanted to take adult beverages up, you could then have a 50 pound pack! :-D

Re: Willow Creek Approach

Posted: Wed Feb 06, 2013 6:02 am
by Tornadoman
It seemed like it took FOREVER when my wife and I did that approach. I think it was between 4 1/2 and 5 hours. We did park below the trailhead near the "4WD road beyond this point" which added a bit of time. Since we were stormed off we will have to try again some time!

Re: Willow Creek Approach

Posted: Wed Feb 06, 2013 6:25 am
by BillMiddlebrook
Times are going to vary but I can give you the distance from TH to camping at lake: ~4.75 miles one way

Willow Creek Approch