HIDDEN TREASURE TRAILHEAD: HISTORIC GILPIN TRAMWAY & QUARTZ VALLEY TRAILS:
Details
i apologize that I had to change the date and time for this hike; I had a very minor knee procedure done and couldn't walk!!!
TREASURE MOUNTAIN TRAILHEAD
~Like nearby Central City, Black Hawk got its start in 1859 after gold was discovered in Gregory Gulch. Black Hawk was known as the "City of Mills". Its location at the bottom of the gulch meant more water, and water was required to run the mills and smelters that separated the gold from the ore. Hence, Black Hawk took its place as the industrial center of the district. The area flourished during the mining boom of the late 19th century following the construction of mills and a railroad link to Golden. Black Hawk was hit particularly hard by the downturn of the mining industry. The combination of poor economic conditions and recurring floods resulted in severe deterioration of the mining-era town. In 1991, legislation was enacted to allow gambling in Black Hawk, and the town was saved from the anvil of time.
~Quartz Valley Park is a newly developed open space just north of the casinos in Blackhawk. The park is built along the slopes of Maryland Mountain (9,209 ft) and looks to be a former mine site. The park caters to hikers and mountain bikers with a trail system that provides many hiking & biking options. The main access is via the Hidden Treasure Trailhead built on State Highway 119. Maryland Mountain is the centerpiece of this park and the Summit Trail is a route designated for hikers. The summit boasts nice views of the Mt. Evans Massif and the James Peak Wilderness to the west.
NAME OF HIKE The Historic Gilpin Tramway Trail (3 mile round trip) merging with the Quartz Valley Trail (1.5 mile round trip)
DISTANCE: This hike will be a 4.5 mile, easy and sometimes easy/moderate trail. Both the HIstoric Gilpin Tramway and Quartz Valley Trail are trails we can walk side by side and talk or kick a can!
~ Description:
As we hike, we’ll be treated to views of Blackhawk, the hillsides surrounding the city, and the Front Range Mountains. The views from this trail are a stark reminder of the tremendous amount of mining in this area, both historically and currently. That being said, the trail is beautiful with aspens, pine forests, rock formations, and vistas.
~WEATHER/TEMPERATURE: According to the Weather Channel we will have temperatures in the mid to high 60s with mostly sunny skies along with a few afternoon clouds.
ARRIVAL TIME/START TIME: We’ll meet up at 10:00 AM then begin the hike at 10:15 AM.
Once we’re gathered up and ready to go we’ll cross the bridge and continue on the Historic Gilpin Tramway Trail for 1.5 miles then merging onto the Quartz Valley Trail for .6 miles. Round trip hike will be a total of 4.5 easy miles.
LEVEL: Easy to Easy/Moderate
STARTING/ENDING ELEVATION: Starting: 8,549 ft/Ending 9,149 ft,
ELEVATION GAIN: MINIMAL, Not more than 600 ft.
DOGS: On leash only
~After the hike we could take a walk back into the town of Blackhawk which has also completed a substantial overhaul of its historic Gregory Street, which will include a casino-free walking mall with a brewery, distillery, shops and restaurants. Sounds like a food court to me!
I hope to see you all in Black Hawk!
Be careful driving!
Don "MUTT"
~Disclaimer: By signing up for and participating in this event you are acknowledging that you are aware of risks, dangers, and hazards and fully assume responsibility for your own safety, and further agree to release and discharge the organizers of this event from and against any and all liability arising from your and your guest’s participation in the group activities.~