Trail Overview
The advanced section of Windy Pass between Sawtooth Trail and Indigo Extension Trail is one-way only, downhill, due to a loose and exposed scree field just after the trail passes the summit of Sawtooth Mountain that should not be ridden uphill, and thus should only be ridden from west to east. The Forest Service recommends that you ride it as a counterclockwise loop starting with Sawtooth Trail, which is an expert-only trail.
The west end of Windy Pass starts at an intersection with Sawtooth Trail that is more like a continuation of Sawtooth Trail. It is relatively easy in the beginning, as just a flowy forested trail on a hilltop that is more gradual. There are a couple of steep climbs in the beginning with loose rock that are moderately easy. It passes just below the summit of Sawtooth Mountain, which is accessed by a quarter-mile-long nonmotorized trail. You may see hikers here summiting the mountain, as this is a popular route, especially on weekends. After it passes the summit, the trail becomes more difficult, with narrow segments, exposure, and a couple challenging switchbacks. It rounds a corner, and you get an incredible view of the jagged ridgeline of Sawtooth Mountain and the cliffs underneath. Here, the trail passes a couple spots where there is a steep drop-off next to you, and riders need to use extreme caution. It descends down to a sloughed-off hillside/scree field below Sawtooth Mountain, where the dirt is very soft, and the slope angle is very steep. The trail makes a couple of tight pivot turns on the slope to descend. This trail is minimally benched because the dirt is so soft. Riders should be careful not to lose their rear end down the hillside. This is the zone where the Forest Service does not want you to climb back up because it’s too steep and loose, and will blow out the trail. After this zone, the trail continues to sidehill through the forest down to the Indigo Extension Trail, and is much easier, mostly being smooth and flowy.
