Windy Peak

Windy Peak is within the Golden Gate Canyon State Park, near Golden, Colorado. Bridge Creek Trailhead is the start of this hike. Google Maps app will provide you with directions to the trailhead if you enter Bridge Creek Trailhead. There are about 6 parking spots, as well as an outhouse and some picnic tables. There is additional parking in small lots along the road nearby as well. The trail itself starts just behind the outhouse.

There are a lot of trail options in this area. Using the GAIA route link I have for this hike, our approach was a counterclockwise loop hike around the peak. We started on Burro Trail, taking a side trail to the summit of Windy Peak, then returning on Mountain Lion Trail. This seemed like the ideal direction for the loop, but there are plenty of options to choose from. There are a lot of trail intersections along the way, but each has signage to help keep you on the right path.

We started around 7 a.m. After the first 0.7 mile there is a downhill section. It may seem odd to be heading downhill, but hiking this loop counterclockwise keeps you from having to do this small ascent at the end of your hike. Keep following the Burro Trail, keeping an eye on the signage at each trail intersection. This trail transitions through several different environments from open hill, to rock, to forest sections. The trail itself was quite rocky, but trail shoes are just fine for this hike.

Trailhead to summit is about 3 miles and took us about 2 hours. On our ascent we only came across one trail runner on their descent, so it was nice to have the trail to ourselves. It was quite warm being in the trees for a good portion of the hike, I was starting to wonder if Windy Peak would live up to its name. Lucky for us there was a nice breeze when we got on top, allowing us to cool down a bit. The summit itself is in the trees, but there is a nice outcrop with great views nearby.

To finish the loop, on our descent we took the Mountain Lion Trail. The first section of this is forested but soon opens up to an old access road. There were several groups heading up as we were heading down. This route worked out nicely giving us lots of space to let folks by on their way up the trail. I’d recommend this hike. It was nice to explore a new area close to Denver.

Hike Date: August 29, 2026
Starting Elevation: 7,805 feet
Windy Peak Elevation: 9,145 feet
Total Ascent: 1,514 feet
Class: 1
Total Distance: 6.28 miles
Total Time: 3 hours, 19 minutes
Moving Time: 2 hours, 59 minutes
Stopped Time: 20 minutes
Climbing Partner: Brian
GAIA Link: Windy Peak
*All data is tracked using the GAIA app