This trail is good for hiking, backpacking and horseback travel. The camping is limited due to the steep terrain. This trail is less popular than the Maroon-Snowmass Trail and has very steep sections and may contain snowfields until late July. The trail begins ascending steeply and forks to the right in about one-mile. The trail continues through spruce, aspen and pine forests for approximately three miles. The trail then breaks out into a meadow before continuing a moderately steep climb. There are some steep sections that require caution. Once on East Snowmass Pass, the descent to Willow Lake is through a boulder field. The last mile meanders through rolling tundra to Willow Lake.

Directions: From Aspen, Drive 6 miles west of Aspen on Highway 82 and turn left onto Brush Creek Road. Continue on Brush Creek Road 5.3 miles and turn right onto Divide Road. Divide Road turns into a gravel road and passes Krabloonik Restaurant & Kennels, then descends steeply to the valley bottom where the road forks. Take the left fork, the trailhead will be just beyond the wooden bridge, on the left side of the road (The Maroon-Snowmass Trail is at the end of the gravel road).

Elevation: 8,600 feet

Ending Elevation: 12,680 feet

Elevation Gain: 4,320 feet

Distance: 8 1/2 miles

Usage: Light

Difficulty: Strenuous

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