length: 7 miles (round trip)
difficulty: Moderate
Starting point: South Willowbrook (39.65154, -106.09785)
Why we love it: Easily accessible via the Summit Stage bus line, this close-to-town hike is capped by a waterfall that makes the hike seem far more remote than it is. The well-marked trail to Willow Creek Falls steadily gains elevation as it winds through aspen forests and wildflower meadows.
Best time to travel: May to September; highest water flow in June, greatest plant diversity in July and greatest foliage color in September.
Energy before the hike: Treat yourself to scrambled eggs and flapjacks at the table-service Mountain Lyon Café, or buttermilk biscuit sandwiches and specialty lattes (ask for the CBD syrup addition) at the counter-service House of Vibes.
Mood after the hike: Head to the terrace of A-Bar at the Pad Hotel and enjoy a lavender and sage gin and tonic while looking out at the peaks you just hiked beneath. Or stop by the lively food hall at Bluebird Market for tacos, baked goods and a full bar.
Toilets: No
Dogs: Allowed on a leash

You could combine all of Summit County’s popular, intertwined trails and create a short hike that skirts streams, digs through dense aspen forests, and crosses flower-strewn meadows in the shadow of snow-capped peaks. But this mishmash leads you to a waterfall that makes the destination just as beautiful—if not better—than the journey there.

To do so, start at the South Willowbrook Trailhead north of Silverthorne. (Since locals and tourists flock here, arrive early to find parking or take the Summit Stage Shuttle.) Head west on the South Willowbrook Trail (the left option at the trailhead) and immediately enter a mixed forest of fir and spruce. Cross the newly restored wooden bridge (Thank you, friends of the Dillon Ranger District!) and look for red-headed mushrooms.

At mile one, meet the Mesa Cortina Trail; turn west (hikers right) and follow it over more bridges. At mile 1.5, intersect the Gore Range Trail and continue through flatter, boggy terrain with patches of purple and white wildflowers and glimpses of the rugged Gore Range and 12,777-foot Buffalo Mountain (which looks like a sleeping bison).

After about 2.5 miles, follow the signs to the falls, which lead to the cascade on a leisurely trail. Plan on a little climbing and shimmying to tackle the final section to Willow Creek Falls, which has water year-round (lots of flat boulders here make nice lunch spots). Listen to the crescendo of the water as you pass a massive rock and slide around a corner to stand directly in front of the cascading waterfall, which is framed by peaks from this vantage point. Climb up the side of the falls for a closer look, or relax at the lower pool, perfect for vertical selfies.

On the way back, go back the same way.

Directions: From Denver, take I-70 west to exit 205. From there, follow CO 9 north for 1.8 miles. Turn left (west) on Willowbrook Road and travel one mile to the trailhead.

Read more: Our favorite hikes near our home