Hope Pass via Willis Gulch

Hope Pass is accessed from the Willis Gulch trailhead about 25 miles outside of Leadville, Colorado. To get to the trail head, follow Highway 24 East for about 16 miles until you arrive at the junction for Highway 82. Turn right and follow Highway 82 for about 8.3 miles. You will see a sign on the right that says "Willis Gulch Trailhead." Turn left into the dirt parking lot next to the river and park for free. At the trail head there's no map or bathrooms just a sign that warns of bears in the area. The hike starts at the bridge.

The trail is a total of 9 miles round trip with about 4500 feet of vert. There is no official trail for Hope Pass. Rather, it is done by connecting a few trails. Once you cross the bridge at the river, follow the trail to the first sign, turn left. From here follow the signs that say "Big Willis" or that are unofficially marked "Hope." If in doubt, follow the trail that leads up.

I day hiked to the pass to take photos with my dog and kept him off leash most of the time. The trail is not very crowded and follows a river most of the way so water is accessible if needed. In the basin before the pass there's a small beautiful lake at the treeline. Once you pass the treeline follow the trail through the scree and you will make it to the pass which offers stunning views of the surrounding mountains. Open camping is allowed without a permit.

Be sure to bring rain gear and other essentials for backcountry hiking and camping. In the summer rainstorms are frequent in the afternoon.