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BPX 3-Day: Black Mountain Loop from Encampment TH (Mount Zirkel Wilderness)


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BPX 3-Day: Black Mountain Loop from Encampment TH (Mount Zirkel Wilderness)

The Black Mountain Loop beginning at the Encampment TH in the Medicine Bow National Forest offers a peaceful backcountry experience along the Encampment River system. Traveling first along Main Fork Trail (#1152.1) and then connecting to West Fork Trail (#1153.1), the route follows flowing water, dense lodgepole forests, and open meadows framed by the Sierra Madre Range.

Suggested Backpacking Section (BPX) itinerary for 3-day trip to be used for CMC trips led by BPX leaders for BPX members.

Day 1: Drive to the Encampment TH and arrive at approximately 12:30 PM. Start hiking south on the Main Fork Trail (#1152.1). At the intersection with the West Fork Trail (#1153.1), go left and stay on the at Main Fork Trail (#1152.1). Hike approximately 5.0 miles to where the trail crosses a creek and find a campsite for the night (4.9 miles, +504 / -151 ft.)

Route: Day 1

Day 2: Depart camp by heading south on the Main Fork Trail (#1152.1). After about 3.5 miles go right on the West Fork Trail (#1153.1). Follow the West Fork Trail (#1153.1) to the intersection with the Trail Creek (#1154.1) and Manzanares Cutoff (#1204.2A) trails. Continue hiking on the West Fork Trail (#1153.1) trail for a quarter of a mile until the trail crosses a creek and find a campsite for the night (6.5 miles, +925 / -854 ft.).

Route: Day 2

Optional Day Hike: Manzaegras Lake (4.0 miles, +-812 ft.)

Day 3: Depart campsite and head north on West Fork Trail (#1153.1) to Encampment TH (6.1 miles, +84 / -507 ft.)

 Route: Day 3

Overall Route: 17.4 miles, +-1,497 ft.

NOTES:

  1. Always practice Leave No Trace techniques.
  2. More information about the Mount Zirkel Wilderness is available here.
  3. Google Map Driving Directions: From the Colorado Mountain Club (Golden, CO) to the Encampment TH.
  • Length: 17.4 mi
  • Elevation Gain: 1,497 ft
  • 9,537 ft
  • Land Manager: U.S. Forest Service
    Mount Zirkel Wilderness Area, Laramie Ranger District (Medicine Bow-Routt National Forests)
  • Parking Permit Required: USFS Permits & Passes
  • Recommended Party Size: 6
  • Maximum Party Size: 12
  • Maximum Route/Place Capacity: 12
Map
  • Trails Illustratred 116
  • Trails Illustrated 1304
  • Outdoor Trail Maps Mount Zirkel Wilderness
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  • BPX 2-Day: Black Mountain Loop from Encampment TH (Mount Zirkel Wilderness)
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