Window Peak via Ventana Canyon Trail

In the mood to punish your legs? Perfect, let’s talk about the hike to Window Peak on Ventana Canyon Trail. This hike is unrelenting once it starts to climb, with a steep trail, occasional overgrowth, and changing temperatures as you ascend. We recommend it for strong hikers who want to feel like they earned their viewpoint.

Come prepared for this adventure with plenty of water, food, good boots, and laters. It can be very hot at the beginning of the hike and then snowy or icy at the top, so you’ll need to be able to adapt to the weather. We don’t recommend this one on particularly hot or chilly days.

From the trailhead, the route heads northwest alongside Ventana Canyon Wash, turns east, and then turns directly north. You’ll enter the canyon and follow its floor until the trail rises on your left to climb the canyon wall. You’ll continue through consistent uphill terrain before the grade increases as the peak comes fully into view. Continue climbing, then take a sharp right to approach Window Peak from the northwest. From the top, take in the view and take a breather before retracing your steps.