Windsor Peak

Windsor Peak is one of those Squamish-area hikes that feels like a full-on mission, not just a stroll in the woods. This 17.1 km out-and-back with about 1600 m of gain is rated very difficult for a reason, and most parties are out for 8–10 hours. The payoff is a high, open summit around 1684 m with big views over Howe Sound, Deeks Peak, and the back side of the Cypress area.

The approach to Windsor Peak usually starts on a mellow forest road before tilting sharply up toward Deeks Lake, which makes a great halfway rest and swim spot on warm days. From the lake, the trail steepens and gets rougher, with flagging and markers that can be confusing, especially near the saddle between Deeks Peak and Windsor, so a GPS track is almost essential. Expect some loose, slippery sections and light scrambling near the top, plus lingering snow patches into early summer that can make the final slope feel more serious than the stats suggest.

Recent reports say there’s plenty of water up to Deeks Lake and a couple of small streams above, but once you hit the saddle turn-off for Windsor Peak, it’s dry, so top up earlier. Around 1400 m there’s a marked side trail toward the Gotha Peak ridgeline that has tricked people into a bushwhack, so keep an eye on your map there. Bug spray is handy, microspikes can be useful early season when the snowline sits around 1200–1400 m, and on hot days the steep upper section feels punishing, making a post-hike dunk in Deeks Lake even more rewarding.