Blackhawk Trail Mix

View of Loafer Mountain along trail

 The Trail

This trail is actually the conglomeration of different sections of a few trails. Two options are shown below. The first option comes out to be an easy to moderate 8.5 mile trail with an approximate 620 foot elevation change. Also shown on the maps below (in red) is an extra loop that is 1.4 miles long, or about .6 miles longer than doing just the first option, and take travelers through a very pleasant aspen grove.

The trails in this area are high up along the Nebo Loop and offer a number of beautiful views. This area is also covered with wildflowers in the summer. The trail leads through a variety of terrain from open meadows to aspen groves and pine forests.

This trail is open to hikers, horseback riders, bicyclists, and dogs. Some sections are also open to motor bikes, so watch out for them.

There are many different trails lacing through this area and intersecting with one another, so it is probably a good idea to bring a map with you if you are not familiar with the area. We started this trail from Blackhawk Loop E Campground heading east along the Blackhawk Trail. On the map below, trail intersections are marked with colored flags:

001:  If you turn west here, you will end up at Dipping Corral Spring
002:  Trail split: Turn west to head along the Rock Springs Trail (the sign here indicates that by going this way you will reach the ranger station). You will go up a hill and come to a dry camp and then cross the road. If you go north at the fork, the trail continues to the north origin of the Blackhawk Trail.
003:  The livestock corral. The trail splits just after it passes the corral. Go right to take the longer loop, or stay left for the shorter route.
004:  The trails meet up again. Head south east to turn back onto the Jones Ranch Trail and reach Dipping Corral Spring.
Dipping Corral Spring:  There is a missile shaped trough here. This is a good place to let your livestock drink. At this meadow you should meet up with the Blackhawk Loop Trail.
005:  Trail split. The trail dips down into a little open area here, and a couple signs label the four or five trails that intersect here.. Take a sharp left to head east and stay on the Blackhawk Loop Trail.
Water Trough:  This marks the beginning and the end of the trail for us. If you are riding, it is another good place to let your horses drink

Topographical Map of Entire Trail

Detail of the Lower Section of the Trail

 

Detail of the Upper Section of the Trail

Also note that a little ways before you reach Dipping Corral Spring, the trail crosses the road. The trail becomes a bit hard to follow right before you reach the road, and it can sometimes be a little difficult to find the pick up for the trail on the other side.

The land in this area is used by ranchers for their cattle to graze on during the summer. Make sure you close all gates along the trail so that cattle are contained to their grazing areas.

Trail in Google Earth

Graph of Trail Elevation (without longer loop)

Graph of Elevation for just the extra loop portion of the trail

 

Loafer Mountain during a thunderstorm

View heading back around to Blackhawk during the last segment of the trail

Directions

This trail is found along the Nebo Loop in Utah County. If you are coming from the north, take exit 250 for Payson off of I-15. Turn left onto 3200 West, which turns into Main Street. Follow Main Street to 800 South and turn left. Take the first right onto South Canyon Road. When the road ends, turn right again onto Nebo Loop Rd. Continue on this road up the canyon for about 13 or 14 miles until you see signs for Blackhawk. Turn left onto Blackhawk Campground Rd. and follow the signs to Loop E. This is where we started the trail from, but you could find where the trail intersects with the road at other places and start there as well. If you start from the campground, there are some parking areas for those who are not at a campsite, but be aware that there is a parking fee of $6.00.

If you are coming from the south, it is better to take exit 248 off of I-15, turn right onto 800 South, and continue straight until you reach South Canyon Road.  

Here is  the meadow where we started the trail.
Loafer mountain is in the background and the water
trough is a little to the right in the picture.