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Black Canyon Trail

 3.5 (4)
  1. Areas
  2. CO
  3. …Front Range
  4. Estes Park
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Length


8.2 Miles 13.2 Kilometers


3,354' 1,022 m

Ascent

-457' -139 m

Descent

9%

Avg Grade (5°)

29%

Max Grade (16°)

10,998' 3,352 m

High

7,780' 2,371 m

Low

Shared By Brian Smith

Conditions

Unknown
History
Getting forecast...

“A major east-west vein that runs into the park from the Lumpy Ridge Trailhead.”

— Brian Smith
Driving DirectionsGPX File

Dogs No Dogs

Features Birding · Cave · Fall Colors · Lake · River/Creek · Swimming · Views · Waterfall · Wildflowers · Wildlife

Description

From its eastern junction with Lumpy Ridge Trail, Black Canyon Trail ascends nearly 4,000 vertical feet over eight miles as it juts northwestward into the park.

The trail starts with a short, gradual descent followed by a nearly continuous ascent over the next six miles. Enjoy the sweeping views of open grasslands and stunning geologic formations as you climb. Black Canyon Trail is punctuated with steeper sections as it passes between various peaks and across saddles.

At its westernmost terminus, Black Canyon Trail intersects the Lawn Lake Trail.

Flora & Fauna

RMNP is a massive park that is mostly characterized by a montane ecosystem. Here are some of the Flora and Fauna that you may encounter along this trail:

Flora: Ponderosa pine, douglas fir, wildflowers, shrubs
Fauna: Elk, mule deer, moose, bighorn sheep, coyotes, black bears, cougars, butterflies.

For more detailed information regarding the park's diverse ecosystems, click HERE.

Contacts

Land Manager: National Park Service - Rocky Mountain National Park

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Check-Ins

Aug 10, 2018
Kendall Beggs
Moderately steep trail through pine forest and the occasional meadow. Not super picturesque, but a relaxing hike nonetheless.
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Trail Ratings

  3.5 from 4 votes

#10

in Estes Park

#13902

Overall
  3.5 from 4 votes
5 Star
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4 Star
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Rankings

#10

in Estes Park

#1,317

in Colorado

#13,902

Overall
48 Views Last Month
2,876 Since Jan 8, 2015
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Photos

Looking west, northwest toward Mummy Mountain
Looking west, northwest toward Mummy Mountain
 3
Elk near Estes Park CO
Elk near Estes Park CO
 1
Twin Owls, Lumpy Ridge, Rocky Mountain National Park with permission from Richard Ryer
Twin Owls, Lumpy Ridge, Rocky Mountain National…
 2
The craggy side of Mummy
The craggy side of Mummy
 3

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