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Black Powder Pass

Length: Approx. 3.4 miles roundtrip
Highlights: fantastic views
Difficulty Rating: Beginner
Below: spectacular view from B. Powder Pass

The trek to Black Powder Pass is an excellent way to introduce someone to the addictive pleasures of alpine hiking without having to climb hours to get above tree line. Spectacular wildflowers are one of the many attractions of this hike and some who arrive early enough in the season have been known to enjoy the abundant snowfields!

Directions: Driving south on Rt. 9 you turn left onto Boreas Pass Road just as you leave the town of Breckenridge. Continue on this road (eventually 

 

becomes a dirt road) for 9.6 miles to the old railroad section house that is located at the summit. The trail begins to the northeast of the building (left) and follows a stream drainage ditch to the saddle between Boreas Mt. and Mt. Baldy.  
 

 Below:
some of the beautiful flowers we encountered along the way.


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The trail is a pleasant but steady uphill climb of about 1.7 miles to the Black Powder Pass that overlooks South Park and French Pass. An elevation gain of approximately 650' takes you to this saddle between Boreas Mt. (south) and Mt. Baldy (north). At the pass your elevation is about 12,150 feet. Energetic (or masochistic) hikers looking for more of a challenge can pick their way to the summit of Boreas (13,082') or Baldy (13,684').
Note:
If you go early enough in the summer season to Black Powder Pass trail you get a chance to snowboard - if you forget your board - You can always slide down on your raincoat!

 

  
Go early in the summer for the opportunity to hit
a few large snowfields!

One SCE's staff members stops for a bite to eat
in the saddle facing Mt. Boreas

 

    

 

  
  beginner intermediate advanced
    Black Powder Pass   Mohawk Lake   Quandary Peak  14,265'
    Lily Pad   Chihuahua Gulch   Lincoln & Bross 14,291' / 14,177'
    St. John's   Mt. Royal   Bierstadt Peak 14,060'
    Mayflower Gulch   Wheeler Lakes   Willow & Salmon Lakes
    Loveland Pass   Radical Hill Trail   Upper Crystal Lake
    Salt Lick Trail   McCullough Gulch   Gray's & Torrey's 14,278' / 14,267'
    Mesa Cortina Trail   Mt. Sniktau   Mt. Democrat 14,152'
    St. Mary's Glacier   North Ten Mile Trail   Mt. Victoria
    Sally Barber Mine   Willow Falls  

Mt. Elbert  14,433'
    Oro Grande Trail   Eaglesmere Lakes   Buffalo Mountain  12,777'
    Meadow Creek-Salt Lick   Mosquito Pass   Eccles Pass
    Shrine Mountain Trail   Webster Pass   NEW! - Mt. Huron  14,003'
    Ptarmigan Trail        
    Peaks Tr. Barton Gulch        
    NEW! - Hoosier Pass Loop        

 

    

 

  
 

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Note: The Summit County Explorer website is for entertainment purposes only. SCE will not be held liable for the any accidents or injuries resulting from the activities listed on this site. Trail conditions change daily and we assume no responsibility for the safety of any individual during any of these activities. Please consult actual trail guides and maps before attempting any of the activities mentioned here.