Willow Lake
Lake · Pitkin County ·

Willow Lake

Lake · Pitkin County ·

Secluded backpacking trip with Maroon Bells views, fewer crowds

tranquil camping
catchable fish
off the beaten path
Willow Lake by null
Willow Lake by null
Willow Lake by null
Willow Lake by null
Willow Lake by null
Willow Lake by null
Willow Lake by null
Willow Lake by null

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Colorado 81611 Get directions

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Colorado 81611 Get directions

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Last updated

Jan 20, 2026

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"Veer Right for a Sight Not Seen By Most Most people that backpack in the Maroon Bells Wilderness Area usually either go over West Maroon Pass to Crested Butte or go over Buckskin Pass and camp at Snowmass Lake. A lesser known lake is Willow Lake. With fewer visitors, this is a secluded backpacking trip where the lake feels like it is all yours. You still get the great views of the Maroon Bells because you are in the same area without the crowds of people. Head as if you were going to go to Buckskin Pass and when the path forks with signage toward Buckskin pass to the left, bear right and continue hiking. You could do this as a long day hike for the ambitious."

3 Unforgettable Summer Days in Aspen
Willow Lake

Adam N.

Google
Did this trail on August 6th from Maroon Bells shuttle. Just before going up Willow Pass we laid on our packs at the base. A guy was coming down who said he had climbed over from Maroon Bells and said it was his favorite place in the world. Now we see what you mean bud. We were the only souls in this entire valley all night & it was incredible. Certainly a slough, but it keeps getting better & better. We passed dozens & dozens of people and they were all going to Snowmass Lake. Let it be a lesson, go a little bit off the beaten path and you'll be rewarded. Idk what valley & creek runs down the other side, but it is one of my favorite views in the world.

Ian M.

Google
Absolutely fantastic. Far less traffic than other nearby trails. Great place to camp, and there are definitely catchable fish in the lake, we caught one. Definitely make this a stop if you're hiking in the area.