Willow Creek (Gore Range/Silverthorne Colorado)

Trip dates: April 20-21, 2019

Caltopo map here

I started at the Mesa Cortina TH because on the USFS maps this looked like the only TH that I could legally park at.  There are closer starting points for getting to Willow Lakes (my actual planned destination) but it looked like they start on private property.  

This longer approach, combined with rotten spring snow and crappy weather on day 2 meant I didn't get as far as I wanted to.  Looking forward to exploring this area more this summer.  

Day 1

This moose needs snowshoes.

Some of the postholes were 24-30" deep.

Going back to find the blade of my shovel and sock added over a mile and much frustration. (My socks was looped through side compression straps to dry and the shovel blade was poking out of the back stretch pocket.)

Water you don't have to melt before drinking it. How novel.

Day 2

Views at dawn. I could see some glimpses of the mountains around me and really wanted to get out and take pictures...but my boots were still frozen, so...

UN 12,885' (left) an Red Peak (right)

East Thorne

Shortly after taking pictures of Zodiac Ridge it started to snow. My camera never captures falling snow well, but it was basically slush blowing sideways at 20 mph.

I'd left my tarp staked out with my sleeping and sleeping pad underneath. The snow is crusty enough that I don't have to use deadman anchors anymore. Large sticks are perfect. Once I got back I popped the trekking poles back in and got out of the weather while I packed up the rest of my stuff.

Red Buffalo Peak

Tenmile Peak #1