Trip
Hiking – Boreas Pass TH - Boreas Mountain
Summit Boreas Mountain at 13,083'. The out and back Class 2 hike is short but steep. The hike starts at 11,243' at the Black Powder Trailhead then follows Black Powder Pass Trail to the Black Powder Pass. Once reaching the pass the remainder of the hike is off trail on tundra and talus. Hike stats of 6.4 miles, 1650' gain, 1.5 mph ascent - 2 mph descent, challenging hike, duration of 4.5-5 hours.
Contacts
- Sat, Aug 15, 2026
- El Pueblo
- Hiking
- Adults
- Challenging
- Mileage: 6.4 mi
- Elevation Gain: 1,650 ft
- High Point Elevation: 13,084 ft
- Pace: 1.5 ascent - 2.0 descent
- 1 (6 capacity)
- FULL (1 capacity)
- Cancellation & Refund Policy
Although the hike is relatively short at 6.4 miles with 1695' gain out and back, it is at high elevation and has a steady challenging gain with areas of loose talus to negotiate. The summit is unique with a trough configuration bordered by a steep rise that leads to the summit itself. Panoramic 360-degree views from the top are incredible.
The forecast as of Monday August 10th for Boreas Mountain calls for a slight chance of rain (10%) before noon and a 79% chance of thunderstorms starting at noon with the low temperature of 45 degrees and a high temperature of 58 degrees with a light wind of 7-8 mph, with a moderate AQI score.
If the hike is full, hike registration preference will be given to El Pueblo and Pikes Peak Group members.
Register with the leader by texting (702) 480-5704 or emailing hooperjacqueline@yahoo.com. Please text me the evening before or by 6am the morning of the hike if you have to cancel.
I will send an email to all registered hike participants on the afternoon or early evening on Friday, August 14th that will provide additional details about the hike including an updated weather forecast.
An early start is needed due to the distance of the drive to the trailhead and a forecast calling for a 79% chance of thunderstorms starting at noon.
Pueblo participants can meet at the SE corner of the Albertson's Parking lot at 1601 W US Highway 50, Pueblo 81001 for a 5:00am departure, Colorado Springs hikers can meet at the dirt lot on the right side of the road immediately before reaching the Badger Basin Country Store at 12551 US Highway 24 in Hartsel 80449 for a 6:45am departure, and all others can meet in the Boreas Pass parking lot to access the Black Powder Pass Trailhead at 7:45am with a departure of no later than 8:00am. You can find Black Powder Pass Trailhead in Google maps. The trailhead has the address of Fairplay, CO 80440. The hike starts and ends at the trailhead.
The last time I did the hike four years ago, Boreas Pass Road was a dirt road that is rough, rutted and narrow in places that can be accessed with a 2WD when dry but an AWD or FWD is recommended.
Required Equipment
The hike starts at over 11,000 feet and is a steady gain to the summit. Wear layers, sturdy boots with good ankle protection, and sun protection; bring hat/gloves, rain gear, trekking poles, lunch to be eaten at the summit weather permitting, snacks to eat enroute, and 2-3 liters of water in addition to the other 10 essentials. We will have an optional celebratory tailgating after the hike so bring a favorite beverage and camp chair.