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Windy Peak - 13 Things to Know Before Visiting

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About Windy Peak

Windy Peak is a mountain in Park County, Colorado. The peak is located in the Front Range of the Rocky Mountains, and it has an elevation of 11,929 feet. The mountain is named for its windy summit, which is often buffeted by strong winds. Windy Peak is a popular destination for hikers and climbers, and it offers stunning views of the surrounding mountains. The peak can be reached via a moderate hike of about 4 miles (6 kilometers), and there are several camping sites along the trail.
Address : Windy Peak, Colorado 80456, USA

Things to Do at Windy Peak

There's no shortage of things to do at Windy Peak in Park County, Colorado. In the summer, hiking and mountain biking are popular activities, and there are plenty of trails to explore. The area is also popular for camping, and there are several campgrounds nearby. In the winter, Windy Peak is a great place for cross-country skiing and snowshoeing, and there are several miles of trails to enjoy.Whether you're looking for a summer adventure or a winter wonderland, Windy Peak is the perfect place to explore.


Top Activities Near Windy Peak

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History of Windy Peak

Windy Peak is a mountain in Park County, Colorado. The peak is located in the Front Range of the Rocky Mountains. The mountain was named for the high winds that often blow across the summit. Windy Peak is one of the many peaks that make up the Mosquito Range. This range is part of the larger Rocky Mountain Range. The Mosquito Range includes fourteen peaks that are all over 14,000 feet tall. Windy Peak is the fifth highest peak in the Mosquito Range. It has an elevation of 14,085 feet. The first recorded ascent of Windy Peak was made in August of 1873 by a group of surveyors. The mountain is a popular destination for hikers and climbers. There are several routes to the summit that range in difficulty from easy to difficult. The most popular route is the East Ridge Route. This route starts at the trailhead near Hoosier Pass and follows the East Ridge to the summit. The East Ridge Route is approximately five miles long and has an elevation gain of 3,700 feet. Windy Peak is a beautiful mountain with spectacular views. When you reach the summit, you can see for miles in every direction. You will likely see other peaks in the Mosquito Range, as well as Longs Peak, which is the tallest mountain in Colorado. From Windy Peak, you can also see South Park, a large valley that is home to many towns and villages. Park County is a beautiful place to visit and Windy Peak is a must-see when you are in the area.


Best Time to Visit Windy Peak

The best time to visit is during the summer months when the weather is warm and dry. 

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Tips for Visiting Windy Peak

  1.  Winter visitors should be aware that the trail can be icy and dangerous - use caution and come prepared with traction devices and ice axe if necessary.
  2. Please respect the wilderness - Leave No Trace principles should be followed to help preserve this beautiful place for future generations. 
  3. Dress in layers! The weather can change quickly at high altitudes, so it's important to be prepared.
  4. Bring plenty of water- there is no potable water available at the site, so it's important to bring enough for your group. Be sure to drink plenty of water to stay hydrated, especially at high altitudes.
  5.  Be aware of your surroundings- keep an eye out for wildlife, including bears, mountain lions, and snakes. Make noise if you're hiking alone to avoid surprising any animals. If you do see an animal, do not approach it and give it space to move away from you.
  6. Stay on designated trails- there are many unmarked routes in the park, but staying on the designated trails helps to protect vegetation and prevents soil erosion. 
  7. Start early- mornings are usually cooler and you'll have more time to enjoy your hike before the afternoon crowds arrive.

Interesting Facts and Trivias About Windy Peak

  1. Windy Peak is home to a diverse array of wildlife, including black bears, elk, bighorn sheep, and mountain lions. The park is also home to more than 300 species of birds, making it a paradise for birdwatchers. 
  2. Windy Peak is named for its windy conditions - the highest recorded wind speed at the summit was 160 mph! 
  3. The peak is more than 14,000 feet above sea level, making it one of the tallest mountains in Colorado.
  4. The park covers more than 26,000 acres of land, making it one of the largest parks in Colorado. 
  5. The park also features numerous historical sites, including an old stagecoach trail and a ghost town. 
  6. There are several trails leading to the summit of Windy Peak, ranging in difficulty from easy to strenuous.
  7. Hiking to the summit of Windy Peak is an excellent way to get some exercise and fresh air while enjoying the beauty of nature.
     

How Much Time Did Visitors Spend at Windy Peak

In order to maximize your exploration of Windy Peak in Park County, Colorado, it is recommended that you allow at least 3-4 hours. This will give you plenty of time to hike to the summit and take in the stunning views. 


How to Reach Windy Peak

To reach Windy Peak in Park County, Colorado, take Highway 285 south from Denver for about an hour. Then take Highway 126 west for about another hour. The last few miles of the journey are on a dirt road, but any vehicle with high clearance should be able to make the trip. Once you reach the trailhead, the hike to the summit is only about a mile, but it is fairly steep.


Entrance Fee of Windy Peak

While there is no entrance fee to Windy Peak, visitors are encouraged to make a donation to help support the park's upkeep. 


Opening Hours of Windy Peak

In the summer months, the park is open from 5:00 AM to 10:00 PM, while in the winter it is only open from 8:00 AM to 5:00 PM. This is due to the fact that the roads leading to the park are often inaccessible in winter due to heavy snowfall.


Attractions Near Windy Peak

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McGraw Memorial ParkMcGraw Memorial Park is a beautiful park located in Park County, Colorado. The park features a variety of amenities, including a playground, picnic tables, and a fishing pond. McGraw Memorial Park is also home to a variety of wildlife, including deer, rabbits, and squirrels. Visitors to the park can enjoy a variety of activities, such as hiking, biking, and bird watching. In addition, the park offers stunning views of the surrounding mountains.
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Topaz MountainTopaz Mountain is a beautiful hiking destination located just outside of Fairplay, the mountain offers stunning views of the surrounding valley and plenty of opportunities to spot wildlife. There are several trails of varying difficulty, so there is something for everyone. In addition, the area is known for its topaz deposits, so be sure to keep your eyes peeled for these precious stones. If you are looking for a challenging hike or a relaxing nature walk, Topaz Mountain is the perfect place.
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Mount BaileyMount Bailey is a mountain in Park County. The summit of the mountain is 12,943 feet above sea level and is the highest point in Park County. The mountain is located in the Mosquito Range, a subrange of the Rocky Mountains. The mountain is home to several hiking trails, as well as the remnants of an old mining town. The town, which was abandoned in the early 1900s, is now a popular destination for visitors to the mountain. Mount Bailey is a popular destination for both hikers and climbers.
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Pike-San Isabel National ForestThe Pike-San Isabel National Forests & Cimarron and Comanche National Grasslands covers nearly three million acres from western Kansas and Colorado's highest mountain peaks along the Continental Divide. This landscape offers a variety of ecosystems rich in history, geology, scenery, wildlife habitat and recreation opportunities.
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Goose Creek TrailheadThe Goose Creek trailhead is easily reached from Bozeman or Livingston Montana. It is accessed by exiting Interstate 90 about 7 miles east of Bozeman at Exit 316, the Trail Creek exit. The landscape is surreal. The forest is lush and the rock formations are striking.
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Cheesman DamThis is the first major dam in the U.S. to incorporate the gravity arch, and upon completion it was the highest gravity arch stone masonry dam in the world. It is the key structure in Denver's water supply. it is also a designated a Historic Civil Engineering Landmark.

Discover More Attractions in Park County, Home of Windy Peak


Location of Windy Peak


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