Near Black Canyon Trail
Elk near Estes Park CO
Near Black Canyon Trail
Looking west, northwest toward Mummy Mountain
Near Black Canyon Trail
Twin Owls, Lumpy Ridge, Rocky Mountain National Park with permission from Richard Ryer
Near Black Canyon Trail
The craggy side of Mummy
Near Black Canyon Trail
View of Lumpy Ridge

Looking for more photos?

View All Photos
Driving Directions
Hike Trail

Black Canyon Trail

3.8 (5 Ratings)
A major east-west vein that runs into the park from the Lumpy Ridge Trailhead.
7.8
mi
Distance
3,349
ft
Gain
strenuous
Difficulty
BirdingCaveFall ColorsLakeRiver/CreekSwimmingViewsWaterfallWildflowersWildlife

Route Details

Flatter
Steeper
7.77mi
Distance
3,349ft
Elevation Gain
469ft
Elevation Loss
40%
Max Grade
11,010ft
High Point
7,776ft
Low Point
Path Type
Point to Point
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.

Route Conditions

Report Conditions
No Condition Reports
Report Conditions

Nearby Hike Routes

Lumpy Ridge Loop

Hike Route

Lumpy Ridge Loop

River/Creek
strenuous
10.44 mi
+2,517 ft
Lumpy Ridge Short Loop

Hike Route

Lumpy Ridge Short Loop

Birding
moderate
1.64 mi
+428 ft
Gem Lake and Balanced Rock

Hike Route

Gem Lake and Balanced Rock

Birding
moderate
7.31 mi
+1,823 ft
Gem Lake Hike via Lumpy Ridge Trailhead

Hike Route

Gem Lake Hike via Lumpy Ridge Trailhead

Lake
moderate
3.11 mi
+1,020 ft
Bridal Veil Falls via Cow Creek Trail

Hike Route

Bridal Veil Falls via Cow Creek Trail

Less Crowded
moderate
3.02 mi
+975 ft
Deer Mountain Loop

Hike Route

Deer Mountain Loop

Birding
moderate
10.59 mi
+1,915 ft
Contributors
Brian Smith