Black Mountain - 13 Things to Know Before Visiting

There's no shortage of activities to keep you busy in this beautiful mountain town. In the summer, you can hike, bike, fish, or camp in one of the many nearby parks and forests. If you're looking for a more relaxed activity, take a scenic drive or enjoy a picnic lunch in one of the town's many green spaces. In the winter, Black Mountain is a popular destination for skiing and snowboarding. There are also several sledding hills and ice skating rinks in the area.  The dark skies offer an excellent opportunity to see the stars, and the peaceful setting is perfect for enjoying a night under the stars. There are several different routes to the summit, ranging from easy to difficult. For those looking for a more challenging hike, the Black Mountain also offers a number of technical rock climbing routes.

The history of Black Mountain in Moffat County, Colorado is a long and storied one. Evidence of human activity in the area dates back thousands of years, with the Ute and Arapaho peoples both calling the mountain home at different points in history. More recently, the mountain has become a popular destination for hikers, campers, and nature enthusiasts. The summit of Black Mountain offers stunning views of the surrounding landscape, and the trails wind through a variety of different ecosystems.

Black Mountain is a beautiful place to visit all year round, but the best time to go is in the summer. From June to August, the area is alive with wildflowers blooming in shades of blue, purple, and yellow. The hiking trails are dotted with color, and the air is filled with the fragrance of pine and cedar. In addition, the summer months offer the best chance to see wildlife such as elk and bighorn sheep. 

1. Check the weather forecast before you go. Black Mountain is known for its extreme weather conditions, so it's important to be prepared before you head out.
2. Pack a flashlight and extra batteries. The nights can be very dark.
3. Be aware of your surroundings. With its rocky terrain and wildlife, Black Mountain can be a dangerous place if you're not careful.
4. Pack your patience - Black Mountain can be busy on weekends, so plan accordingly and be prepared for crowds.
5. Make time for stargazing - One of the best things about Black Mountain is that it offers incredible views of the night sky. Make sure you set aside some time to gaze at the stars.
    

1. Black Mountain is the highest peak in Moffat County, Colorado.
2. The 10,865-foot  peak is located in Routt National Forest.
3. There are several campsites located along the Hankins Gulch Trail, including Summit Lake Campground and Black Mountain Campground.
4. Black Mountain is home to a diverse array of plant and animal life, including Rocky Mountain bighorn sheep, mule deer, elk, pronghorn, and white-tailed deer.
    

Depending on your fitness level and how experienced you are with hiking, it could take anywhere from a few hours to several days to explore the mountain fully. If you are planning on spending more than a day on the mountain, it is important to be prepared with plenty of food and water, as well as a map of the area. 

The easiest way is to take Highway 40 west from Craig until you reach the town of Dinosaur. From Dinosaur, take Highway 64 north for about 33 miles until you reach the small town of Maybell. From Maybell, follow signs for State Road 318 east until you reach Black Mountain. 

The Moffat County Black Mountain entrance fee is $3 per person per day. There are no entrance fees for children under 16 years old.

Black Mountain is open year-round, and the hours of operation vary depending on the season. In the summer months, the mountain is open from dawn to dusk. In the winter, it is open from 9AM to 4PM.