Black Mountain - 13 Things to Know Before Visiting

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About Black Mountain

Black Mountain is a peak in the Front Range of the Rocky Mountains of North America. The 7,200-foot summit is located in Park County, Colorado, United States. Black Mountain is notable for its prominence and ruggedness, as it rises nearly 5,000 feet above the adjacent South Park basin in only 1.6 miles. The mountain is part of the Mosquito Range and is one of Colorado's fifty-three fourteeners. Black mountain has three summits, the highest of which is unofficially named "North Summit".

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Things to Do at Black Mountain

Black Mountain is located in Park County, Colorado and offers a variety of activities for visitors to enjoy. For those who love the outdoors, there are hiking and biking trails that wind through the area. In addition, Black Mountain is home to a number of wildlife species, making it a great place for bird watching or wildlife photography. For those who prefer a more relaxed experience, the park also offers picnicking areas and scenic drives. 

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History of Black Mountain

Black Mountain is a mountain peak in Park County, Colorado. The mountain is located within the Pike National Forest and has an elevation of 11,429 feet (3,487 m). The summit of Black Mountain is the highest point in Park County and the second highest point in the state of Colorado. Black Mountain was named by early settlers for its dark appearance when seen from a distance. The first recorded ascent of Black Mountain was made in 1869 by A.D. Wilson and W.A.H. Loveland. The mountain is now a popular destination for hiking, camping, and bird watching. Black Mountain is home to a variety of wildlife, including elk, deer, bighorn sheep, eagles, and hawks.

Best Time to Visit Black Mountain

The best time to visit Black Mountain is during the summer months, when the weather is warm and the vegetation is lush. During the summer, Black Mountain is a popular destination for hikers and campers, as well as picnickers and nature lovers. 

Tips for Visiting Black Mountain

  1. Black Mountain is one of the tallest peaks in the park, so be prepared for a challenging hike.
  2. Black Mountain is located in the high country, so the weather can change quickly. Be sure to dress in layers and pack a jacket.
  3. Black Mountain is a great place to see wildlife, so keep your eyes peeled for deer, elk, and even bears! 
  4. Remember to practice Leave No Trace principles when you visit Black Mountain, such as packing out all of your trash and respecting wildlife. 
  5.  Be aware of wildlife in the area and take precautions to avoid encountering dangerous animals.
  6. Stay on designated trails. With so much natural beauty to explore, it can be tempting to wander off the beaten path. However, doing so can damage delicate ecosystems and put you at risk of getting lost. Stick to designated trails and refrain from picking any plants or flowers.

Interesting Facts and Trivias About Black Mountain

  1. Black Mountain is the highest peak in the Front Range of the Rocky Mountains. its summit elevation is 12,441 feet (3,791 meters).
  2. The mountain has been occupied by humans for thousands of years and there are many archaeological sites on its slopes.
  3. Black Mountain was used as a training ground for United States troops during World War II.
  4. In 1970, Black Mountain was declared a National Natural Landmark by the US Department of the Interior.
  5. The mountain is named after the coal deposits that were found in the area by prospectors in the 1800s.
  6. A variety of plant life can be found on the mountain, including aspen trees, Douglas firs, and Rocky Mountain maples.
  7. Winter activities such as snowshoeing and cross-country skiing are also popular on Black Mountain .

How Much Time Did Visitors Spend at Black Mountain

The easiest route to the summit is about 3 miles round-trip and takes about 2-3 hours to complete. For those looking for a more challenging hike, there are longer trail options that can take 4-5 hours or more to finish. 

How to Reach Black Mountain

To reach Black Mountain, take highway 24 west from park county. The road will wind for approximately 20 miles before reaching a fork. Take the left fork to stay on highway 24, and follow the road for another 3 miles. At this point, you will see a sign for Black Mountain trailhead. Take the turnoff and follow the trail for 1 mile until you reach the summit.

Entrance Fee of Black Mountain

It is free to explore this beautiful natural area. 

Opening Hours of Black Mountain

The hours of operation vary depending on the season. In the winter, the park is open from 9:00 AM to 5:00 PM, and in the summer, the park is open from 8:00 AM to 8:00 PM. 

Attractions Near Black Mountain

Pike and San Isabel National Forest

Pike and San Isabel National Forest

21.42km from Black Mountain

The Pike-San Isabel National Forests & Cimarron and Comanche National Grasslands covers nearly three million acres from western Kansas and Colorado's highest mountain peaks along the Continental Divide. This landscape offers a variety of ecosystems rich in history, geology, scenery, wildlife habitat and recreation opportunities.

Eleven Mile State Park

Eleven Mile State Park

27.84km from Black Mountain

Eleven Mile State Park is a state park in Park County, Colorado. The park was established in 1909 and covers an area of 11 square miles. Eleven Mile Reservoir is the centerpiece of the park and is a popular destination for fishing, boating, and camping. The reservoir is home to a variety of fish species including rainbow trout, brown trout, and kokanee salmon. The park also offers hiking, biking, and horseback riding trails, as well as picnicking and RV camping.

Spinney Mountain Reservoir

Spinney Mountain Reservoir

29.15km from Black Mountain

Spinney Mountain Reservoir is a man-made lake in Park County, located approximately 60 miles southwest of Denver. The reservoir was created in 1911 by the damming of the South Platte River and has a capacity of approximately 40,000 acre-feet. It is a popular recreation spot for fishing, camping, and boating, and is also home to a variety of wildlife, including bald eagles and ospreys. The reservoir itself is fed by several small streams and creeks, as well as by groundwater seepage.

Spinney Mountain State Park

Spinney Mountain State Park

29.96km from Black Mountain

Spinney Mountain State Park is a state park in Park County, Colorado. The park is located on the eastern side of the Continental Divide. The park covers an area of 1,420 acres. The park is named after Spinney Mountain, which is located in the park. The mountain has an elevation of 9,700 feet. The park includes two lakes: Spinney Reservoir and Antero Reservoir. The reservoirs are used for fishing and boating. There are also hiking trails in the park.

Trout Creek Pass

Trout Creek Pass

32.8km from Black Mountain

Trout Creek Pass, elevation 9,346 ft is a mountain pass located in the Rocky Mountains of south-central Colorado in the United States. The pass sits atop the southern end of the Mosquito Range on the Park-Chaffee county line, between South Park and the headwaters of the Arkansas River to the west. It is traversed jointly by U.S. Highway 24 and US 285. It is passable by most motorized vehicles and is closed only during severe winter storms.

Browns Canyon National Monument

Browns Canyon National Monument

33.04km from Black Mountain

A beautiful 21,586 acres national monument in Chaffee County, which is centered along the Arkansas River between Buena Vista and Salida. It is the most popular destination for whitewater rafting in the country, and is also known for its fishing and hiking. It is also protected habitat for bighorn sheep, peregrine falcons, elk, and golden eagles.

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