Mountain Lion Loop Trail & Windy Peak - 7.9 Miles Round-Trip

The 7.9 mile Mountain Lion Loop Trail (which includes a .9 mile roundtrip excursion to Windy Peak) passes through diverse terrain highlighted by aspen groves, summer wildflowers, abundant wildlife, and historical landmarks.

This multi-use trail accommodates hikers, runners, mountain bikers, and equestrians. Clockwise travel is recommended for better morning light and favorable traffic patterns:

An access trail heads east from the trailhead to the official beginning of the loop (.13 miles: 7,789'). Turn left and begin a steady climb through open hillsides dotted with Ponderosa Pine. The trail briefly merges with the Burro Trail after 1.1 miles, veering off soon after toward Forgotten Valley.

The trail climbs steeply to the City Lights Ridge junction (1.35 miles : 8,212'), past which it widens on a fire road and gently drops through a patchwork of pine and aspen. At 1.55 miles it bottoms out (8,160'), emerges from the forest, crosses a creek, and begins a methodical climb to Forgotten Valley (1.85 miles: 8,253').

In Forgotten Valley is Tallman Ranch, an historic site with several cabins still intact. Interpretive signs tell the story of Swedish immigrant Anders Tallman, who in 1876 settled here with his family and raised cattle, chickens and vegetables which they sold in the mining community of Blackhawk. The Mule Deer Trail splits off here into Tallman Ranch for those interested in viewing the cabins up close.

The trail continues by a pond past the Buffalo Trail split (2.05 miles : 8,343'), where it begins a demanding 500' climb on switchbacks. The trail crests with good westerly views of the Indian Peaks and James Peak Wilderness Areas (2.9 miles : 8,872'), then drops through mixed pine to the 1st split for Windy Peak (3.1 miles: 8,776') - bear right.

The trail rises modestly to the Burro Trail (3.2 miles: 8,858'), which you will now follow to Windy Peak (3.5 miles: 9,106'). Enjoy panoramic views from the summit before backtracking down via the Burro Trail to continue clockwise on the Mountain Lion Loop (4.0 miles: 8,776').

The trail relaxes on a long glide down the backside (north side) of the loop, which levels considerably upon reaching Deer Creek (4.3 miles: 8,521').

The trail follows - and frequently crosses - Deer Creek for the next 1.9 miles through a distinct riparian ecosystem: Aspen, spruce, cottonwood, alder, currant and blue-stem willow envelop the trail and form an opaque canopy. Large rock piles and steep hillsides flank the narrow creek corridor.

The trail passes several backcountry campsites en route to the Quarry Trail junction (6.15 miles : 7,649'); make a hard right to remain on the Mountain Lion Trail. Moderate intervals undulate through glades to the Knot Creek Parking Area and Trailhead (7.5 miles: 7,758').

Cross the parking lot diagonally towards the restrooms to regain the Mountain Lion Trail. An easy jaunt completes the official loop (7.8 miles: 7,789'); turn left for the final 225 yards back to the Mountain Lion Trailhead (7.9 miles: 7,739').