Willow Creek Trailhead

Posted On: 8/22/2026 By: daway8
Info: This is a crowded trailhead. Twice this month I've arrived at about 7pm on Friday evening to find only a spot or two available, though eventually others left, only for those spots to quickly fill. By Saturday afternoon cars are lined up along the road, but there are also lots of pull offs along the road. Pit toilet bathroom is stocked and reasonbly well kept. One point to note is that half of the parking in the lot is sloped so that your vehicle is tilted sideways a bit when parked which can add some challenge to car camping. This is just outside the town of Crestone which has some good restaurant options.

Posted On: 8/6/2026 By: Argysc
Info: Road was very driveable - a little washboard, a couple small bumps/ruts, and a couple slightly steep sections, but likely any standard vehicle could make it up. Had absolutely no trouble in my Kia Sorento Hybrid AWD. Arrived at 10am on Saturday and got the only open spot in the lot. As it was a Saturday, some cars were leaving and some were arriving. A few cars lined up down the side of the road below the TH. Lots of campsite pull-offs on the dirt road between Crestone and the TH.

Posted On: 7/26/2026 By: aldsw
Info: I was surprised to see how much camping there is on the road to Willow Creek. I didn't count but there 5-10, including one spot right at the trailhead. They were all empty when we arrived on a Friday around noon but all full when we left Saturday evening.

Posted On: 7/23/2026 By: seannunn
Info: Trailhead is dry, no snow, and can be reached by virtually any vehicle. A few small bumps might pose a problem for a very low clearance car.

Posted On: 7/12/2026 By: drewskiclimbs
Info: Road to trailhead moderately bumpy but easily passable in Crossover SUV. Arrived on a Saturday @ 3 pm, still a few parking spots available. Privy at trailhead.

Posted On: 2/14/2026 By: Misi197
Info: Even after an overnight snow of 3-5 inches, trailhead is accessible for most vehicles with snow tires and/or AWD.

Posted On: 2/7/2026 By: joshdasher
Info: There is snow at the trailhead itself but the road is open and easily accessible. Someone got up it in their Honda Accord. Couple of snowy patched on the road, but that's it.

Posted On: 1/12/2026 By: jacolc
Info: Passable by any car, however snow at TH

Posted On: 9/15/2025 By: ryansappleid
Info: Good condition, got to TH in my low clearance 2wd Accord no problem. Found a spot to camp on the road Friday night and was able to park in the lot early Saturday morning.

Posted On: 8/4/2025 By: E_A_Marcus_949
Info: Almost any car can make it. Decent size lot. Toilet had TP and didn't smell. Willow Creek trail in great shape; S Crestone Lake Trail in good shape too - it's the steeper of the two.

Posted On: 7/6/2025 By: two lunches
Info: trail is clear and dry from the lower trailhead to the lake.

however, i cannot understate that at times on the approach, the mosquitoes were
out.
of.
control.

they were relentless.
bug spray was ineffective.
bug hat and gloves are *mandatory* and full-body coverage is strongly recommended. attempting to hang out, eat, or fish outside of a zipped-up tent was… emotionally devastating.

there is also a… robust (?)… population of rocky mountain sheep at the lake. they seemed fully comfortable approaching people, weaving between sites and barking dogs. beautiful, surreal, and weirdly casual.

Posted On: 6/27/2025 By: HokieTom
Info: This condition is actually for South Crestone trail. This was a great trail with beautiful scenery. No snow and creek crossings were fine. Some blow down trees but relatively easy to crawl under or climb over, The trail is very easy to follow and there is a beautiful waterfall. The South Crestone Lake is amazing!

Posted On: 5/28/2025 By: BillMiddlebrook
Info: Open

Posted On: 1/26/2025 By: 14er101
Info: Dry and 2wd to the upper trailhead

Posted On: 3/31/2025 By: jacolc
Info: Was easy Jan 04 by 2WD and probably also at Jan 06 before snow