Hike Beaver Brook Trail at Windy Saddle Park
Golden, Colorado
Details
Distance
5 miles
Elevation Gain
500 ft
Route Type
Out-and-Back
Description
Added by Matthew Eaton
There is something for everyone at Windy Saddle Park. You get great views from the parking lot and the trail is close enough to Denver that you can pop over for an after work hike.
Just outside of Golden, CO is Lookout Mountain. 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. On the north side of Lookout Mountain lies Windy Saddle Park, about a 30 minute drive from Denver. This close proximity to the city does mean that this is a popular spot, but it also means that it is quite easy to hit an after work hike, especially during these longer summer days.
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.
After .2 miles, you'll come to a junction. Continue straight to stay on the Beaver Brook Trail.
Dogs are welcome in Windy Saddle Park, and Beaver Brook Trail is probably the best hike to take your four legged friend on in this park as it is hikers only. Just be sure to keep your dog on a leash, as snakes are common in the summer months and a conflict between your dog and a snake will definitely change your afternoon.
For more hiking at Windy Saddle Park, be sure to check out the Chimney Gulch Trail and Lookout Mountain Trail.
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Reviews
This is definitely one of my new favorite trails to run close to Denver. I love the variety you get from the easy scrambling over boulder fields in the beginning and beautifully rolling single track. This is a great hike or a technical trail run! I was under the impression it would be mostly shaded but there are some exposed areas that do get pretty hot especially during the summer. Be aware that there are some steep drop offs in sections and there are a few spots where the trail slides down. But overall I didn't feel unsafe out there on my own and made it back in one piece! The trail in total with connection to Windy Saddle is about 10 miles each way so either prepare to head back early or bring lots of water and snacks! I went on a weekday afternoon and it wasn't too crowded once you get past the Windy Saddle section but I can imagine it's more popular on the weekends. I met a few people and a pup and as I got off the trail the parking lot was a little crazy. Overall, I wouldn't say it's super busy but be prepared for weekend crowds.
5.0
Hiked it last year and we are going again next week!!! It is a must see and do!!!
5.0
This is a great trail with a little bit of everything. Some minor scrambling, shade, wildflowers and views. The trail is only marked by a no fire sign so just keep an eye out for it.
5.0
This hike was excellent. Well shaded, full of variety, beautiful vistas, and a blend of flat/up/downhill trails make this the perfect hike. The hike is an out-and-back, so you can stay on the trail as long or as little as you'd like. The trail had quite a few dogs, several mountain bikers, and was well populated with hikers. Park at the Nature Center and walk across the street to start the hike. We will definitely be back!
5.0
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