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Length: 7 miles (out and back)
Difficulty: Moderate
Trailhead: South Willowbrook (39.65154, -106.09785)
Why we love it: Easily accessed via the Summit Stage bus line, this close-to-town hike is crowned with a waterfall that makes it feel far remoter than it is. The well-marked trail to Willow Creek Falls steadily gains elevation as it wends through aspen groves and wildflower meadows.
When to go: May through September; peak water flow in June, peak flora in July, and peak foliage in September.
Pre-hike fuel: Go for scrambles and flapjacks at sit-down Mountain Lyon Cafe or buttermilk biscuit sammies and specialty lattes (ask about the CBD simple syrup add-in) at counter-service House of Vibes.
Post-hike buzz: Head up to the deck at A-Bar inside the Pad hotel and drink in views of the peaks you just hiked beneath while sipping lavender-sage gin and tonics. Or pop into buzzy Bluebird Market food hall for tacos, bakery goodies, and a full bar.
Restrooms: None
Dogs: Allowed on leash
You could link any of the beloved, interwoven Summit County trails and create a quick trek that traces creeks, burrows into thick aspen stands, and crosses flower-studded meadows in the shadow of snow-smeared peaks. But this mishmash delivers you to a waterfall, which makes the destination just as good—if not better—than the journey.
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To do it, begin from the South Willowbrook trailhead north of Silverthorne. (Since locals and tourists flock here, plan to arrive early for parking or consider taking the Summit Stage shuttle.) Head west on the South Willowbrook Trail (the left option at the trailhead) and immediately plunge into a mixed forest of fir and spruce. Cross the newly restored log bridge (thanks, Friends of the Dillon Ranger District!), and keep your eyes peeled for red-capped mushrooms.
Near mile one, hit the Mesa Cortina Trail; veer west (hiker’s right) and take it across more bridges. Intersect with the Gore Range Trail near mile 1.5, and continue through flatter, marshy terrain with pockets of purple and white wildflowers and peekaboo views of the craggy Gore Range and 12,777-foot Buffalo Mountain (which looks like a sleeping bison).
About 2.5 miles in, follow signs for the falls, which up a social path to the cascade. Plan on doing some scrambling and hand-over-hand climbing to negotiate the final approach to Willow Creek Falls, which flows year-round (plenty of flat boulders here make for nice lunch spots). Listen for the crescendo of water as you pass a massive rock and slip around a corner to come face-to-face with the tiered waterfall, which is framed by peaks from this vantage. Bushwhack up the side of the falls for a closer look or relax by the lower pool, which is perfect for snapping vertical selfies.
Retrace your steps on the return.
Getting there: From Denver, take I-70 west to Exit 205. From there, follow CO 9 1.8 miles north. Veer left (west) onto Willowbrook Road; take it a mile to the trailhead.
Read more: Our Favorite Close-to-Home Hikes
