Willow Creek trail
This is a hike for strong hikers who prefer a slower pace and more frequent stops. We will take the Tram up and enter the wilderness and head up the Willow Creek trail for about 1.25 miles to High Trail, and return the same way -- 2 1/2 miles total. Emphasis will be on natural beauty and cool fresh air. This will be first of a few hikes like this during the summer period. The hikes will be on Sundays. Each subsequent hike will a bit longer.
This hike is NOT for you if you: prefer to hike fast, don't like much stopping, have never been up the tram, have never hiked above the tram nor above Idyllwild nor in Big Bear.
Meeting Time/Location: Arrive at the Tram base station at 7:45 AM in order to buy your ticket. Get a ticket for the 2nd car which will be 8:15 or 8:20. If you get on the 8:00 car, you will have to wait for everyone at the mountain station. We will line up at 8:00, after the first car departs. If anyone is not able to board due to limits on pass holders, the others will wait at the Ranger Station, where we will get our wilderness permit (one permit for the entire group). If you have questions about this, email me.
Tram Ticket Cost: $30-33. You cannot purchase these tickets in advance. If you purchase 8:00 am car tickets, then you must go up on the 8:00 am car and wait at the top. You can use a pass. You may also want to buy a summer pass in advance, if you are going to take 3 or more hikes from now until the end of August. Parking is free to Coachella Valley residents with ID, or any pass holder.
What to Bring: Ten Essentials, water (1 to 2 liters recommended), lunch/snacks, sun protection, layered clothing, hiking poles may be helpful. Carry emergency contact information.
Hiking Requirements: You will need to be in good physical condition for this hike. Click here for more information.
Contact hike leader: Joey D. email click here
Cancellation: If you cannot make a hike for which you have registered please cancel as others may be on the waitlist. You may cancel directly from your profile settings or notify the hike leader.
Weather Policy: Inclement weather cancels.
Unless otherwise noted, registration for this event is limited to Great Outdoors members. To sign up as a member, click here
Health Problems/allergies: Discuss any medical concerns with the hike leader that may affect your ability to complete this hike.
© 1981 - 2025 CALIFORNIA GREAT OUTDOORS, INC., a 501(c)7 not-for-profit, all-volunteer LGBTQA+ organization dedicated to the enjoyment of the outdoors. All rights reserved. Privacy policy
