Name: Black Canyon Trail
Rating: 3.5

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

— Brian Smith

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.