Willow Lakes via Gore Range Trail
A couple weekends ago while I was looking for a longer hike to do, I came across Willow Lakes via Gore Range Trail (12 miles, 2,800 ft gain) on my “to hike” list in AllTrails (which is insanely long) and I decided to check it out. This trail is located off the I-70 Silverthorne exit and was very easy to get to. Parking is limited so as always, I recommend to start early. I started around 6:30am and there were not many people on the trail. The trail starts in the forest and wanders across rivers, through meadows, dead tree groves, and eventually to the most beautiful mountain lake. My friends and I were the only ones at the lake when we got there and were soon joined by some curious mountain goats. I took a cold plunge in the lake, ate some snacks and we headed back down the way we came. It was a beautiful day and quickly became one of my favorite trails in Colorado! If you’re up for a bit of a longer hike, this one is a must do.
Lake Haiyaha
The following day, I hiked in Rocky Mountain National Park which I typically wouldn’t on the weekends due to crowds but I secured a Timed Entry Permit for the Bear Lake Road parking lot. I have been wanting to hike to Lake Haiyaha as it turned turquoise last year due to a rock slide that sent a large amount of silt and clay into the lake, changing its color temporarily. There are quite a few lakes you can hike to in this area so I decided to tack on a few extras and follow this loop. Haiyaha is an indigenous word that means “rock” or “lake of many rocks”, or “big rocks”, depending on the translation (source). When I got to Lake Haiyaha I was blown away by the massive boulders surrounding the lake. You have to climb around these to get to the shore to enjoy the beautiful bright blue water.
Hiking trails off Bear Lake Road in Rocky Mountain National Park are very popular so be prepared for some congested trails and definitely start early! If you can go on a week day, that is even better. To get a timed entry permit for Bear Lake Road visit the Parks website. There is a shuttle that will take you to the trailhead should parking fill up (it frequently does!). This is a beautiful area to check out and I would recommend seeing Lake Haiyaha while it is still bright blue. It’s a sight to behold.
I can’t believe it is already mid-August. I have a few more fun hiking and camping trips coming up before winter. Can’t wait to share!
Until the next tale… Happy trails.
-Hannah
Tales of My Trails 