Leader in Training (LIT) Hike – Golden Gate Canyon State Park - Windy Peak

This will be a lollipop loop traveling counter clockwise from Bridge Creek trailhead along the Burro Trail to Windy Peak. The first section climbs from 7,821 feet to the junction with Mountain Lion Trail at 8,844 feet which covers 2.8 miles. It's a continuous climb through scattered trees and forest. At the junction the group can choose to summit Windy Peak at 9,120 which adds .6 miles. We'll find a place for lunch either at this junction or at the summit. The trail will then go west around the north side of Windy Peak and descend into Forgotten Valley. We will pass the Forgotten Valley Campground. There is a shelter west of the campground and lake. We will continue downhill and meet the trail to summit the City Lights Ridge which adds 1 mile to the distance and 476 feet of elevation. The total mileage figure of 6.7 miles includes both summits. Turkey, Coots, Woodpeckers, and Owls can all be found here. Lupine, Milkvetch, Goldenrod, and other native flowering plants can be found here. The foot tread will be uneven at times with baby head boulders and downed timber. (CMC Forgotten Valley - CalTopo)

Carpool Meeting Place & Time: Colorado Mountain Club (15605 W 32nd Ave, Golden, CO) (Colorado Mountain Club - Google Maps) at 7:30am with a departure at 7:45am

The group will carpool to the Bridge Creek Trailhead Parking Lot in Golden Gate Canyon State Park (Bridge Creek Trailhead - Google Maps)