Near Windsor Lake Trail
Taking a break, its a tough hike!
Near Windsor Lake Trail
Heading up the Windsor Lake Trail with some fresh snow from an early (mid-September) storm.
Near Windsor Lake Trail
Looking across Upper Windsor Lake.
Near Windsor Lake Trail
Coming out to Lower Windsor Lake.
Near Windsor Lake Trail
Cruising past Lower Windsor toward Upper Windsor Lake.

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Driving Directions
Classic Hike Route

Windsor Lake Trail

4.6 (12 Ratings)
A short and steep climb through pine forest to a beautiful alpine lake.
1
mi
Distance
860
ft
Gain
strenuous
Difficulty
Regional Classic
A must do route for the area handpicked by local experts.
LakeViews

Route Details

Flatter
Steeper
1.03mi
Distance
860ft
Elevation Gain
13ft
Elevation Loss
35%
Max Grade
11,627ft
High Point
10,780ft
Low Point
Path Type
Point to Point
Description
From the parking lot, head southwest across Busk Creek looking for the backcountry check-in. Continue south/southwest as the trail begins to climb up through the trees. There are some sections that are looser than others but manageable for most. After the steepest section, the trail tops out at a small lake, which is beautiful in its own right but only an appetizer for the main course some 80 feet above. Continue up to the next plateau where Windsor Lake sits majestically below the loose, eroding cliffs. Find a spot to sprawl out and have a picnic lunch or unpack your hammock and tent for an overnight beneath the starts.

Route Conditions

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Contributors
Zander Gopfert