Nighthawk Trail - ( 9.4, 6 or 4 ...) Miles Round-Trip
Special Note: We're going on a hike that is very flexible is terms of total out and back distance. Name you distance --- we'll make some decisions on the morning of the hike. This is not a one size fits all. The trail can vary greatly in surface conditions so bring shoes for all occasions.
Hall Ranch encompasses 3,205 acres of colorful mesas, rolling meadows, pinyon-juniper woodlands and active wildlife. Though only 5 designated trails pass through Hall Ranch, their length and diversity create numerous routing options and travel experiences.
The Nighthawk Trail offers a bike-free route with connections to the Nelson Loop and Button Rock Trail. Runners may also prefer the Nighthawk's consistent terrain and steady pace:
The Nighthawk Trail rolls gently through open grassland for .85 miles, crests and drops into a shallow gully (1.1 miles : 5,555'). Here it begins a 3.6 mile, 1148' climb on winding, moderately steep (but well-kept) switchbacks.
The trail bends NW and rises quickly through open rolling hills and over deep canyons. Spring travelers will enjoy wavy green grasses, flowers and cacti blooms. Deer are very common along this stretch.
The trail occasionally abuts service roads, but these are not for public use and should not be taken. At 3.65 miles the trail does merge momentarily with a service road, but quickly departs (left) on a clearly marked path into a shallow gully that holds a water tank for horses.
The trail climbs above the tank and threads dense pine on the edge of a large, sloping meadow. It's briefly obscured once more on a hairpin turn around the remains of an old stone wall (4.1 miles : 6,702'), but easy to reclaim once around it.
The trail crests and moderates (4.4 miles) with excellent views of Mt Meeker, Longs Peak, and the Twin Sisters. A few steps off-trail leads to wider views of the Continental Divide, and down a wide valley ideal for seeing wildlife.
The final segment weaves through sparse forest and rocky outcrops into a vast, lofty meadow at the Button Rock Trail split (4.5 miles : 6,703'), and its terminus at the Nelson Loop Trail (4.7 miles : 6,703').
Hiking Coordinator: Bill Walters, bnchiking@gmail.com