Went up to the Black Hawk Peak area today. Summited the peak, hiked all around the old town area near Wideawake, and up to the Old Kentucky Mine. Conditions were perfect; great weather, dry trail, no ATV’s.
In my 5+ years of hiking the beautiful and historic Gilpin high country in Arapahoe National Forest around Fairburn mtn., Black Hawk Peak, and the old town of Wideawake, I have NEVER encountered another hiker, and only once encountered an ATV rider. I think it’s interesting how hikers often gravitate to the most crowded areas possible, such as Rocky Mountain National Park, but don’t go anywhere near the equally scenic National Forest areas. Fine with me, I love the peace and solitude, but you’re missing out.
There is a summit register on top of Black Hawk Peak, I don’t know why I didn’t see it the last time I was there. Be sure to sign it if you go.
For those of you who enjoy hiking to old ghost towns and the like, this hike is so much better than the Eugenia or Lulu City hikes. Be sure to check it out.
You can download tracks for this hike at: http://www.selecthikes.com/harder-hikes/84-historic-black-hawk-peak-area
Tags: black hawk, Eugenia, ghost towns, GPS, Lulu City, Wideawake
Great hike for me and my wife,Celeste, today. We left out of the back side of Paradise Valley Estates, where we live, and hiked up to the summit of Black Hawk Peak, on our own path and not the trail from the campground. A little tougher and steeper going that way, but adventerous. Took us an hour to get to the top of the ridge, then hiked over to the summit, another 30 minutes. What a spectacular view, at 10,128′, and even took some video and pix of our house down below. Very nice hike, no one else around, fresh air and sunny….beautiful Colorado .