Gore Range Trail #60 • Hike • Colorado • All Triplogs • HikeArizona.COM

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Aug 24 2025

ShatteredArm

Guides 12
Routes 192
Photos 863
Triplogs 356

42 male

Joined Nov 30 2015
Phoenix, AZ

Upper Willow Lakes, CO

Run/Jog		Aug 24 2025
		ShatteredArm • Triplogs 356

Run/Jog	15.60 Miles	3,245 AEG

Run/Jog	15.60 Miles	5 Hrs 26 Mns 42 Secs	2.96 mph
	3,245 ft AEG	10 Mns Break

no routes

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South Willow Creek - Mesa Cortina

Mesa Cortina Trail #32

Gore Range Trail #60

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Decided that instead of doing a summit it would be more pleasant to go to some alpine lakes, so I headed up to the Willowbrook TH with the goal of going to the Upper Willow Lakes, and possibly adding on a few extra miles at the end if I felt good. Saw a moose chomping on a tree about a quarter mile from the TH, and at the TH there was a sign warning that there could be moose in the area. So that added an extra bit of excitement.

Started out on Ditch Trail, which climbs steeply the first mile (~600 feet). After that, it's pretty mellow as it parallels the North Fork of Willow Creek (although it's only near the creek where it hits Gore Trail). A couple miles of this stretch of trail is through a moderately burned area with lots of deadfall, but the trail has been well maintained, with no logs across the trail.

At around mile 3, where you leave Gore Trail and head SW on the North Willow trail, the grade steepens again, before finally leveling out at around 4 miles in. From here, I was actually able to do a decent amount of running, and the scenery gets way more interesting as the trail contours back towards the creek, with some nice views along the way.

There were maybe 4-5 alpine lakes along the last mile of trail, a couple groups of campers, and a few picturesque views. Got to the uppermost lake in about 2 hours (~6.5 miles). Definitely worth the trip.

On the way down, did a little more jogging, with a detour up to Salmon Lake. This lake was more notable for its size, but wasn't as picturesque as a couple of the others.

Jogged much of the way down, and felt good enough to stay on Gore Trail for a couple more miles until its junction with Mesa Cortina trail. Followed that for a short distance to the pleasant Willowbrook trail, which I took back to the trailhead.

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Aug 23 2025

ShatteredArm

Guides 12
Routes 192
Photos 863
Triplogs 356

42 male

Joined Nov 30 2015
Phoenix, AZ

Buffalo Mountain Loop, CO

Run/Jog		Aug 23 2025
		ShatteredArm • Triplogs 356

Run/Jog	12.95 Miles	3,005 AEG

Run/Jog	12.95 Miles	4 Hrs 58 Mns 43 Secs	2.60 mph
	3,005 ft AEG

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Lily Pad Lakes

Meadow Creek Trail

Gore Range Trail #60

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Was operating on minimal sleep after driving up from Flagstaff on Friday, but still managed to get to Wildernest TH at around 7am, in time to snag a parking spot. Plan was to head up to S Willow Creek, and head over the pass connecting Buffalo Mountain to the rest of the range, and then head down Meadow Creek.

Little ascent to the Buffalo Mountain Trail junction, then a descent into South Willow Creek where I hit the Gore Trail. From there, it's a gradual climb all the way up to the treeline and alpine lakes. I was definitely not ready for the elevation, but eventually made it to the pass, where I was tempted to head up the ridge towards Buffalo Mountain (I think this ridge is passable), but decided against it.

The trail down to Meadow Creek was good, but I didn't do a whole lot of actual running. The descent down Meadow Creek was also pleasant.

At the Lilly Pad Lakes trail, I had a climb back up to the lakes, which wasn't too bad. Tons of people at the lake; when I was there last year it was on a Monday. From there is was mostly flat to downhill back to the parking lot, but I did get hit with some hail and light rain the last mile.

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WARNING! Hiking and outdoor related sports can be dangerous. Be responsible and prepare for the trip. Study the area you are entering and plan accordingly. Dress for the current and unexpected weather changes. Take plenty of water. Never go alone. Make an itinerary with your plan(s), route(s), destination(s) and expected return time. Give your itinerary to trusted family and/or friends.

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