Rocky Mountain National Park's Dark Mountain Trail

Dark Mountain Trail

Description:
The Dark Mountain Trail begins at 8,254 feet from the Cow Creek Trail and travels over a saddle below Dark Mountain (10,859') to the Black Canyon Trail. The total length of this trail is about 1.7 miles. About 60% of the trail is of moderate difficulty. This trail is basically a connection between the Cow Creek and Black Canyon trails and sees low usage.

The trail leaves the Cow Creek Trail just before it turns north. You'll pass the sign to the Peregrine campsite in a short distance. The trail soon begins to climb, traveling through a beautiful aspen filled valley. This valley is strikingly beautiful in September with the fall foliage. The climb gets steeper as you leave the valley, making steep switchbacks on its way to the saddle. The trail tops the ridge a few hundred yards above its intersection with the Black Canyon Trail. Head downhill to the intersection.

This trail is of moderate difficulty, especially if you have already hiked 4 or 5 miles.

Features:

Length:	1.7 miles (2.7 kilometers)
Elevation Range:	8,254' - 9,146'
Elevation change:	909 feet
Season:	May 15 - Nov 1
Difficulty:	Moderate
Use:	Low to moderate
USGS maps:	Estes Park
Trailheads:	Cow Creek
Restrictions:	No pets are permitted
Suitable for mountain bikes:	No (not permitted)
Suitable for horses:	Yes

Vicinity Map

Altitude Profile

Directions:
The Cow Creek Trailhead is the nearest trailhead to this trail. Travel west on Highway 34 toward the Fall River Entrance. Turn right on Devils Gulch Road and go about four miles to a dirt road signed “McGraw Ranch”. Turn left and travel about two miles to the end of the road and the McGraw Ranch at the bottom of hill. Parking is permitted on the west side of the road only. There is a turnaround at the end of the road. Take the Cow Creek Trail for about two miles to the Dark Mountain Trail.

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