Windy Peak Hike

The Windy Peak Trail is a charming walk that weaves through verdant woodlands and arid meadows. This hike also presents the perfect opportunity to spot wildlife grazing, like deer and moose. Perfect as an introductory summit hike in the Front Range, the Windy Peak Trail will challenge you, but won’t over exhaust you. We suggest wearing layers as the exposed peak and various terrain warrants changing weather conditions, so it’s best to be prepared. Note that this path is located within the limits of the State Park, so visitors are required to purchase a day pass, which typically costs around $10USD.

Embark on your adventure along the Windy Peak Hike from the Burro Trailhead. From here, track the leftmost Burro Trail, hiking up through the pine forest, interspersed with vibrant aspens. Eventually, you will encounter an intersection, keep left here and you will be diverted up the Mountain Lion Trail. Follow the Mountain Lion Trail up to the Forgotten Valley Campground and Tallman Ranch, which sits in an exposed basin.

At this point, the route will guide you up a forested valley, through a few switchbacks, and up to another junction. Here, turn right and hike the Burro Trail before merging onto the Windy Peak Trail—delivering you to the summit. From here enjoy sights of the Mount Evans Wilderness’ peaks and other snow-capped Front Range summits. Take a break, rest your tired feet, and to get back to the trailhead, retrace your footing along the path.