Colorado · Hiking · Near Estes Park

Black Lake Trail

5.8 mi
round trip
1,111 ft
climb
11,042 ft
high point
Out and back
route
Jun, Sep
best months

Is Black Lake Trail open right now?

Closure in the area

There's a closure order in Rocky Mountain National Park. It doesn't name Black Lake Trail, so check the source for the area it covers.

As of · Source: NPS · Rocky Mountain National Park. Agencies don't list every closure — check before you go.

Black Lake Trail is a 2.9-mile out-and-back hike located in Colorado, managed by the National Park Service. This trail offers an accessible option for hikers seeking a moderate day trip in the region. The out-and-back format means hikers will cover approximately 5.8 miles total distance, with 1.45 miles of hiking to reach Black Lake and the same distance to return. The trail provides opportunities to explore Colorado's natural landscape and reach an alpine or subalpine lake destination. As a National Park Service-managed trail, it maintains established maintenance standards and follows federal recreation guidelines. The relatively short distance makes it suitable for hikers with varying experience levels who want to visit Black Lake without committing to a full-day expedition. Hikers should plan accordingly for weather conditions and bring adequate water and supplies. While elevation gain information is not currently available, the 2.9-mile distance suggests this is a manageable hike for most visitors. The trail's popularity and accessibility make it a worthwhile destination for those exploring Colorado's outdoor recreation opportunities.

Around this trail

Add any of these when you start a trip
  • Sleep close

    Glacier Gorge

    Campground

    Campground · 0.9 mi from the trail
  • Eat after

    Aspen Dining

    Restaurant

    On your way back · 5 mi

Places © OpenStreetMap contributors · Photos: Matt Golon, CC BY-SA 3.0 (commons)

More in Estes Park

Local outfitters

Not on Roamze yet. Their page has how to reach them.

  • Best time to go · Jun, Sep

    Best time to visit Black Lake Trail

    Best months: June and September. Best months have typical highs of 55–85 °F, lows of 30 °F or warmer (32 °F where the station doesn't record snow), at most one snowy day and no more than 12 wet days.

    1. Jan

      29° / 12°

      15 wet

    2. Feb

      28° / 11°

      16 wet

    3. Mar

      36° / 17°

      16 wet

    4. Apr

      40° / 22°

      17 wet

    5. May

      50° / 29°

      16 wet

    6. Jun

      62° / 36°

      12 wet

    7. Jul

      68° / 43°

      14 wet

    8. Aug

      66° / 41°

      13 wet

    9. Sep

      59° / 34°

      10 wet

    10. Oct

      47° / 26°

      10 wet

    11. Nov

      35° / 19°

      12 wet

    12. Dec

      28° / 12°

      15 wet

    Typical high / low (°F) and days with rain or snow, 1991–2020. Measured at Boulder 14 W, CO, 18.7 mi away at 9,828 ft. The station sits about 1,200 ft lower than this place, so expect it a little cooler here. This station doesn't record snowfall. Source: NOAA NCEI U.S. Climate Normals 1991–2020.

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Map and trail data © OpenStreetMap contributors