The trailhead is located east of the small town of Crestone. Take US 285 south from Poncha Springs, over Poncha Pass for 21 miles and turn left onto CO17, another four miles south of Villa Grove. Drive another 13 miles to Moffat and turn left onto "T" Road, aka: Russel St. Drive about 13 miles east to Crestone. T Road will make a 90 degree jog right, then back left and a couple miles further will make a shorter jog left, then right. As the road enters the town, it will make a couple jogs again before you reach the center of town. From the town of Crestone, from the second stop sign, turn right on Galena. Follow the gravel road 1.5 miles to a location where 2WD vehicles can park. 4WD vehicles can proceed another .75 mile to the trailhead parking. South Crestone Lake trail #860 heads out straight ahead. Willow Lake trail # 865 veers to the right and crosses the creek.
If coming from Alamosa, head north out of town on CO 17 and continue north past both Mosca and Hooper to Moffat., appx. 29 miles. Turn right (east) onto "T" Road and follow directions as above.
Primitive sites are available along FR949 once you get on Forest land. Be careful about private property through here, especially on the south side of the road. Some limited car camping at the trailhead.