Black Powder Pass, Tenmile Range Travel Guide

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Hike to panoramic views on this moderate trail near Breckenridge, Colorado, with historical railroad relics and stunning alpine scenery.

Black Powder Pass, near Breckenridge, Colorado, offers hikers stunning views of the Tenmile Range and surrounding peaks. Accessible via Boreas Pass Road, this moderate trail features a historic railroad section house and diverse alpine scenery.

A brief summary to Black Powder Pass

Colorado, US

From Eve

Know before you go

Hi, I'm Eve. Here are a few practical things to know before exploring Black Powder Pass.

Drive carefully on Boreas Pass Road, as it is a dirt road with steep drop-offs and can be bumpy.
Visit in late September for the best fall colors, but be prepared for more traffic.
Bring layers and a rain jacket, as weather can change quickly at high altitudes.
Start your hike early, especially on weekends, as the parking area fills up quickly.

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Explore Black Powder Pass on the Map

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Getting There

Driving

From Breckenridge, head south on CO-9 for about 0.6 miles and turn left onto Boreas Pass Road. Follow Boreas Pass Road for approximately 9.6 miles to the summit. The road is paved for the first 4 miles, then turns into a dirt road for the remaining 6 miles. Continue on the dirt road to the parking area at the top of Boreas Pass. Parking is free, but limited, especially on weekends. Be aware that Boreas Pass Road is typically closed to vehicular traffic from November to May.
Public Transportation

From Breckenridge Station, take the Summit Stage bus towards Frisco. Get off at the Boreas Pass Road stop (check the schedule for exact times). From the bus stop, walk approximately 2 miles uphill along Boreas Pass Road to the Black Powder Pass trailhead. Allow 30-40 minutes for the walk. The Summit Stage is free to use.

Discover more about Black Powder Pass

Black Powder Pass is a scenic mountain pass located near Breckenridge, Colorado, offering breathtaking views and a moderate hiking experience. Situated at an elevation of 12,159 feet, the pass lies between Bald Mountain and Boreas Mountain, providing panoramic vistas of Summit and Park counties. The area is known for its vibrant wildflower displays in the summer months and stunning fall colors.The pass is historically significant, as it was once part of a railway connecting Breckenridge to Leadville. The Boreas Pass Section House, built in 1881, served as housing for railway workers and is now a backcountry ski hut. The Black Powder Pass Trail starts near the Section House, offering a well-maintained path that gradually ascends through pine forests and across alpine slopes.The trail itself is approximately 3.4 miles round trip with an elevation gain of around 700 feet, making it a moderately challenging hike. As hikers ascend, they are treated to views of Quandary Peak, Pacific Peak, and Atlantic Peak. The trail culminates at a rocky viewing area, providing a stunning vantage point of the surrounding landscape. Black Powder Pass is a popular destination for those seeking a blend of natural beauty and historical intrigue.