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Singletrack with some steeper sections through rocky pine forests, intersects with Mule Deer Trail.


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Map Key

2.5

Miles

4.0

KM

73%

Runnable

9,319' 2,840 m

High

8,222' 2,506 m

Low

1,132' 345 m

Up

306' 93 m

Down

11%

Avg Grade (6°)

37%

Max Grade (20°)

Dogs Leashed

Features Fall Colors · Views · Wildflowers

Runner Notes

The area is at 8,200 ft and travels even higher. Expect mountain temperatures. There is a park fee of $7. You have to stop before the trailhead parking.

Description

The Black Bear Trail is a rocky climb from the Ralston Roost TH up to the Mule Deer Trail. This route is all singletrack and has some technical and rocky sections.

The trail is a well-marked 3.4 mile trail (one way) located near the park entrance. There is plenty of parking at the pull out. The trail is moderate to more advanced, with the beginning section traveling uphill through some steep rocky inclines and narrow trails occasionally. The trail is primarily used for day outings and offers access to other trails in the park along with a summit view at mile 2.25. It can be be done as a an out and back or you can continue on once it intersects with the Mule Deer Trail. Many people continue on to connect Black Bear to Horseshoe Trail to make a loop of about 5.5 miles. Because of the altitude at 8,200 ft the best season is spring through fall.

Overall, it nicely shaded and marked well with a variety of terrain. It travels mostly uphill to a rocky ridge through aspen and pine forest with views once you get to the top. After the ups and downs, the trail finally descends through a forest and out to a flat area of aspens before meeting up with the Mule Deer Trail. The trail offers a really great workout in a quiet mountain environment. The park offers access to fairly remote area in the mountains. In the spring and summer there are wildflowers.

Flora & Fauna

Aspen, pine and wildflowers.

Contacts

Shared By:

Jeffrey Williams

Trail Ratings

  4.4 from 12 votes

#6810

Overall
  4.4 from 12 votes
5 Star
50%
4 Star
42%
3 Star
8%
2 Star
0%
1 Star
0%
Trail Rankings

#476

in Colorado

#6,810

Overall
6 Views Last Month
2,904 Since May 15, 2016
Intermediate/Difficult Intermediate/Difficult

0%
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25%
8%
67%
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Photos

Views
Apr 4, 2018 near Coal Creek, CO
The ridge as you top out on Black Bear Trail.
May 15, 2016 near Coal Creek, CO
Easy singletrack
Apr 4, 2018 near Coal Creek, CO
Lovely views!
Jul 20, 2019 near Coal Creek, CO
Easy Scramble
Apr 4, 2018 near Coal Creek, CO
Tougher scramble
Apr 4, 2018 near Coal Creek, CO

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Weather


Current Trail Conditions

Minor Issues 81 days ago
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