Black Powder Pass Trail at the Summit of Boreas Pass near Breckenridge, CO. is a 3.2-mile, slightly challenging trail. A hike to a panorama of gorgeous high-peak views! Pack a lunch, check out the railroad relics of yesteryear and wander up Black Powder Pass.
BOREAS PASS SUMMIT
This hike is half and half, the first half a gentle easy trail, the second half a steady, persistent incline. The views on the entire trail are beautiful in all directions! It is worth the last half mile to the summit.
For the history of Boreas Pass > Breck Heritage has excellent information about the Pass the Railroad and more.
Boreas Pass is known for its fall colors and abundant Aspen trees lining the road. Today is early fall, and it’s quiet and peaceful. But, in a couple of weeks, the sounds of cars, trucks, and jeeps will fill the air as they drive over the pass for leaf-peeping season.
Black Powder Pass Trail did not have a lot of Aspen trees, but the fall colors in the alpine tundra are auburn, reds, and yellows, which are just as stunning to behold. Fall is just beginning.
It is easy to stop and take a break as you hike upward because the stunning Peaks surrounding Boreas Pass, Hoosier Pass, and Breckenridge are behind you. It’s awesome!
Black Powder Pass Trail is above the tree line where protection from the elements is none. Watch the weather before you go and watch the skies as you hike. Colorado weather is fickle and can change in minutes at high altitudes. For a look at Practical gear that have in our backpacks on every hike. > CLICK HERE
Just before the summit’s final push, new views appear as the trail levels off. Greens, yellow, and small pools of water make for a gorgeous view across South Park. Several hikers turned around here, but I encourage you to keep going. It’s not far.
The short, steep, and slippery rock area is temporary, then a flat, beautiful path to the trail’s end. Incredibly windy at the top, it blew my hat off and made my eyes water and nose run, yet the views here were beyond imaginable.
Breckenridge (Local Trails) Waterproof, tear resistant, National Geographic Trails Illustrated Map
Black Diamond Women’s Trail Pro Shock Trekking Poles
Nuun Electrolyte Powder Packets for Rapid Hydration – I add this to my water on all my hikes in Colorado!
Off the summit, the winds stop, the sun is warm, and cloudless skies leave us wanting more as we hike back down.
Bring a lunch, the kids, and your pups, and explore the beautiful areas and history surrounding Boreas Pass.
TIDBITS
3.4 miles out & back
Rated: Moderate
Elevation Gain: 1,000′
Located: Summit Boreas Pass – 11,481′
Nearest Town: Breckenridge, CO
Boreas Pass Rd
19.8-mile point-to-point dirt road. Easily accessible by car.
Closed in winter, (approx: Oct-May) popular for snowshoeing and XC skiing when closed to traffic.
HIKES NEARBY
Baker’s Tank Trail
Mohawk Lakes Trail
North Ten Mile Creek Trail
Note: Many of the links are affiliate links which means I receive a very small commission (at no added cost to you).
Can't wait to see you on the trail!
LEAVE NO TRACE
ENCOUNTERING WILDLIFE
APPROPRIATE HIKING GEAR
