Name: Black Powder Pass
Rating: 4.5

“A scenic trail nestled between Bald and Boreas Mountains with stunning views of the Tenmile range.”

— Kimberly Talley

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Family Friendly A mellow trail with most of the pitch up towards the terminus. At the trailhead, railroad ruins and ski huts to explore around.

Boreas Pass is closed to vehicular traffic November-May. To access this trail in the winter, park 6 miles below the summit at the trailhead near the closure gate and ascend the road to the pass.

Description

Look for the sign marking the start of the trail on the north side of the parking area just below the Section House Hut and Ken's Cabin. Follow the trail past a barrier fence and follow along Drainage Ditch 2.

The trail slowly ascends across a small talus field and through a pine forest until you are above treeline, when you meet up with Drainage Ditch 2 once again. From here, you ascend directly up the alpine slope on a well-worn trail alongside the ditch, continuing up to the pass between Bald Mountain (to the west) and Boreas Mountain (to the east). Continue up to the pass, where the trail wraps around the back side to terminate at a medium sized rocky viewing area.