Explore 3 Beautiful Trails at Colorado's Windy Saddle Park
Not only do you get great views from the parking lot, you can head off in three different directions on these three trails, all offering varying levels of difficulty. There is something for everyone at Windy Saddle Park.
As a city-dweller who longs all week for upcoming weekend adventures, I often look to escape to the mountains during the week as well. Long winter nights are transforming into warm spring and long summer days, which provide the wonderful opportunity to find a welcoming trail after a long day in the office. Of course, I highly recommend checking out of work early if you can!
With that in mind, I've recently been spending time at Windy Saddle Park near Lookout Mountain in Golden, CO. If you’ve ever driven westbound on I70 from Denver to the mountains, you’ve undoubtedly seen this mountain to your right with antennas on the top. Just on the north side of Lookout Mountain lies Windy Saddle Park, about a 30 minute drive from Denver, with three trails to fulfill your adventurous spirit.
You are very likely going to find this park full of fellow adventurers seeking fresh air, especially on the weekends. Don't let this scare you off! As busy as the parking lot may be, as soon as you get 1/4 mile down the trail, you'll find the solitude you seek, while feeling the safety of having others around in case being alone in the woods is a source of anxiety.
The best part of Windy Saddle Park is that you have three different trails that offer different types of adventure for whatever catches your fancy on any given day.
1. Hike Beaver Brook Trail:
9.1 mile one way hike to Genesee Park Trail, but there are many great points you could turnaround to have a nice out-and-back at multiple distances and difficulties. This trail is limited to hiking traffic only, no mountain bikes. This trail is relatively flat (with high and low points within about 600’ of each other), but the rolling profile of the trail will provide a leg workout, especially over the longer distances.
2. Hike Chimney Gulch Trail:
5 miles round trip - this steep hike can be done two ways either from Windy Saddle to Golden (downhill first), or from Golden to Windy Saddle (uphill first). It should be noted that this is a mixed use trail which sees heavy use by mountain bikers. This trail offers just over 1,000 ft elevation gain.
3. Hike Lookout Mountain Trail:
From Windy Saddle, you can take the 2.6mile RT hike to the top of Lookout Mountain and explore the Lookout Mountain Nature Center. This trail offers 500 ft of elevation gain.
Happy Trails!
We want to acknowledge and thank the past, present, and future generations of all Native Nations and Indigenous Peoples whose ancestral lands we travel, explore, and play on. Always practice Leave No Trace ethics on your adventures and follow local regulations. Please explore responsibly!
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