Willow Lake is one of the most popular destinations in the Sangres. It is a beautiful lake, and there are numerous waterfalls above and below the lake. Plus, Sangres trails are notoriously steep, and this one is more moderate: it's about 5 miles and 2,500 feet of elevation gain to the lake.
Kit Carson Peak, a 14er, looms above the lake, but it was almost impossible for me to take a picture of it, because I was looking right into the sun.
There were a group of Bighorn Sheep (ewes and lambs, no rams) at the lake. they scattered when I arrived, but eventually reappeared on the rocks a little ways around the shore.
I saw at least six other parties--on a Thursday in October. Like I said, a very popular destination. For good reason. I had extended chats with a few. I'm definitely a "socially functioning introvert," but a month of mostly solitude has definitely bumped up my urge for social contact. Among those I spoke to: a 71-year-old who backpacked to the lake basin and will be climbing Kit Carson tomorrow. I said to him, "I salute you, and please God let that be me."
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| The big meadow, the town of Crestone, the vast San Luis Valley, and the San Juan Mountains in the far distance |
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| lunch spot selfie |
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| Kit Carson Peak |
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