Hidden Treasure Trailhead is a new access to the 12-mile long recreational trail system for hiking, running, and mountain biking on Maryland Mountain northwest of Blackhawk, CO. Also known as Maryland Mountain Recreation Park.
Note: Many of the links are affiliate links which means I receive a very small commission (at no added cost to you).
We started on an old ore-hauling tramway track that has been converted into an easy access trail. Going off of this track are several single-track trails, some still under construction.
TRAILHEAD PARKING
Hidden TreasureTrailhead parking area is hard to miss as you travel on Hwy 119 between Blackhawk and Nederlands. The Hawk sculpture once found in front of the Mardi Gras Casino has relocated and now greets you before crossing the bridge. Restrooms and viewing a detailed map kiosk got us started.
After hIking in about 1/2 mile on the tramway track we passed one trail under construction but not long after found a hiking-only trail open and well-traveled that looked like it might take us to the summit. There is no signage of any kind to guide us.
Sweeping views of the town of Blackhawk were impressive as we ascended steep switchbacks on our way to the summit.
Soon we were zig-zagging around interesting rock formations until heading more westward with views of Mt. Evans appearing leaving me feeling like we were entering the wilder areas leaving the town views behind.
The summit! I have to admit, is worth the mini-workout getting up here. I was totally enthralled the entire hike up by the surrounding views. But on top the views of Blackhawk, Central City, Chase Gulch, Mt. Evans, and even farther to the Continental Divide Range are incredible.
VIEW FROM THE SUMMIT!
Today it’s late January and seeing the snowstorms brewing along the Continental Divide beyond Mt. Evans is always exciting!
Looking to get out for a couple of hours hiking this is perfect. Several of the trails are designated “hikers only”. This entire area is a work in progress and you will find that going farther down the Tram Track there are more options for seeing old mine relics and mills, a waterfall, and another trail to the summit.
For more information: The Master Plan has a trail map, & local history of Maryland Mountain.
Are you a mountain biker? read “New Trail System in Blackhawk” by the Boulder Mountian Bike Alliance to get the lasted on the “bike only” trails.
LOCATED: On Hwy 119 just past Blackhawk, CO on the way to Nederland, CO (8060 Clear Creek Boulevard, #119, Blackhawk, CO 80422)
TIDBITS
12 miles of trails
easy to strenuous
Trails marked “hiker only”
Trails marked “bikes only”
Family-friendly
Vault Toilets
MORE TRAILS YOU MIGHT LIKE
Crater Lakes Trail – Rollinsville, CO
Silver Lake Trail to Murray Lake – Georgetown, CO
St. Mary’s Glacier and Beyond – Idaho Springs, CO
Herman Gulch Trail – Bakerville, CO
Booth Lake Trail, for Hiking Enthusiasts! – Vail, CO
Note: Many of the links are affiliate links which means I receive a very small commission (at no added cost to you).
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