Discover Black Hawk

Black Hawk combines outdoor experiences, traces of history and a varied range of entertainment. Those planning a trip with a variety of interests will find both trails through distinctive landscapes and insights into the town’s history. You can also choose a vacation rental based on the focus of your planned holiday.

Trail Network and Cycling Routes Around Black Hawk

A good starting point for getting oriented is the Hidden Treasure Trailhead north of downtown Black Hawk at 8060 Black Hawk Blvd. There is ample parking there. A bicycle and pedestrian bridge over Highway 119 provides a safe connection to the Historic Gilpin Tramway Trail and the entire trail network. This connection is particularly useful if you want to explore Black Hawk on foot or by bicycle.

Additional trails are located in Maryland Mountain Quartz Valley Open Space Park. The trail network runs through or along Maryland Mountain, Chase Gulch and Quartz Valley and also includes the historic Gilpin Tramway narrow-gauge line. The park also includes Bonanza Mill as a historic site. This allows you to combine the landscape with a tangible reminder of the area’s mining history instead of viewing the two subjects separately.

When planning longer cycling routes, it is also important to note that State Highway 119 and County Road 279 in Black Hawk are part of the Great Parks Bicycle Route. The Peak to Peak Scenic and Historic Byway runs from Estes Park in the north to Black Hawk in the south. The route was established in 1918, which also places it within the region’s historical context.

Historic Traces and Distinctive Townscapes

Black Hawk was called the “City of Mills” in 1868 because of the processing of ore in water-powered stamp mills. The town’s development is also connected to the Colorado Central Railway: it was extended to Black Hawk in 1872, creating an important link to the national railroad network. Facts like these provide the town’s history with a clear chronological framework and make its historic sites a travel theme in their own right.

The HARD District is home to shops in historic buildings. The district was created as a pedestrian-friendly area with shopping, dining, art, entertainment and outdoor recreational activities. Events are also held in the HARD District. This allows you to switch between nature, history and a lively town center when planning your day.

Casinos and Evening Entertainment

Many casinos in Black Hawk are located in historic buildings that are often at least a century old. The city has a total of 17 casinos and more than 200,000 square feet of gaming space. The options range from thousands of slot machines to blackjack and poker. Free parking is available near all casinos. For a travel group with different plans for the day, this area can therefore provide a clear focus for the evening, while trails, historic sites or the HARD District take center stage during the day.

Which Accommodation Fits Your Travel Plans?

When looking for a vacation rental in Black Hawk, it is worth deciding in advance what type of holiday you are planning. The right accommodation will therefore depend primarily on this personal focus.

Discover More Destinations

For further searches for suitable places, you can also visit Central City.

For the higher-level travel overview: Gilpin County.