Black Mountain (West Summit) Trail

Craig, CO

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Black Mountain (West Summit) Trail

This hike climbs to the west summit of Black Mountain, a volcanic plateau in the Elkhead Mountains. The trail first winds through an aspen forest with vegetation so thick at times that you might feel the need for a machete. The trail can also be muddy after heavy rains. The trail proceeds into lodgepole and spruce-fir forests where the soil allows for a drier trail. Once up the plateau, a spur trail takes you to a raptor viewing area complete with an interpretive poster and views west toward Dinosaur National Monument and Utah.

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Driving Directions

Note: driving directions are approximate.

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Directions to: Black Mountain (West Summit) Trail

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Trail Statistics & Information

ActivityHiking
Nearby CityCraig
Length6.8 mi
Elevation Gain2,065 ft
Skill LevelDifficult
Duration3.5 - 5 hours
SeasonBest from late June to mid-October
Trailhead Elevation8,750 ft
Top Elevation10,815 ft
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