Half Moon Trail

Dogs Leashed

Features Birding · Geological Significance · River/Creek · Views · Waterfall · Wildflowers · Wildlife

This hike is at elevation! At over 11,000 feet be sure to bring water, food, sunscreen and be prepared to hike at elevation. This is not a flat trail, it is a hike that gains a few hundred feet of elevation.

A gorgeous 0.6 mile hike from the Mid Mountain Lodge at A-Basin, that winds through the trees, across creeks, and just above tree line for amazing alpine mountain views.

Starting at Black Mountain Lodge take the trail that loops behind the building. Turn right on to half moon trail. Hike a hundred yards and cross the stream. Be sure to follow the trail after the stream, if you go downhill towards Lenawee lift you have gone too far. Hike up the trail and enjoy amazing wildflower, and East Wall views.

As you continue you'll start to switchback as you gain elevation. There's 1-2 steeper switchbacks but very manageable. You'll cross one clearing looking down at the resorts avalauncher tower. You'll switch back again as you pass through Half-Moon Glade, and will start to see massive boulders, remnants from the East Wall above. You'll break treeline and bear right, crossing the alpine meadow with stunning views. This section is narrower than the rest, but 100% flat hiking. Lastly be sure to turn right at the trail end as you cross the bridge to continue down to the mid mountain or base, or left to continue up the mountain.

Marmots, Pika, Birds, Moose, Deer, Mountain Goats, Butterflys, Spruce, Fir, Pine