Black Canyon Trail

This is a 4.2-mile out-and-back from Lumpy Ridge Trailhead to the boundary gate and back, usually about 2.5 hours. The route follows a rolling trail below Lumpy Ridge, passing Twin Owls, a seasonal creek bridge and open views toward the Continental Divide. Expect about 615 feet of cumulative climbing. This version turns at the gate; it is not the longer Lawn Lake outing or the 10.4-mile Lumpy Ridge circuit.

From the parking area, take the left-hand trail for Black Canyon; the right branch heads toward Gem Lake. The opening section crosses private ranch land, so stay on the marked trail. After the first gate, the steepest pitch has roughly four dozen steps up and another set down. The rest of this outing is gentler, with rolling rises and dips.

Twin Owls appears early, around 0.18 mile in; its paired-owl shape reads best from the south. A little farther on, a wooden footbridge crosses a seasonal creek. Around 0.6 mile, the trees open to a view toward Mount Meeker, Longs Peak and the Continental Divide. The trail passes juniper and ponderosa, then continues above MacGregor Ranch. In spring, wild iris, pasqueflower and other flowers may be in bloom; raptors such as turkey vultures, peregrine falcons and red-tailed hawks are possible overhead.

The mapped outing ends at the gate on the park boundary, about 2.1 miles from the trailhead; turn around there for the stated total. The Black Canyon corridor continues farther into the park, with Lawn Lake much farther on. Those longer distances describe a different commitment. The separate Lumpy Ridge circuit also uses other trails and is not included in this route.

Lumpy Ridge Trailhead is off Devils Gulch Road, beside an interpretive sign and restrooms. The lot can fill on busy weekends and holidays. Lumpy Ridge can be included in Rocky Mountain National Park’s seasonal timed-entry system, so check the current dates and hours before setting out. Pets are prohibited on park trails. Do not count on water along the route: a fountain near the old memorial has been described as unmaintained. Seasonal raptor restrictions can apply to nearby climbing areas; follow posted signs.