Black Mountain West
This trail can be accessed right from Freeman Reservoir Campground.
Found in 1 campground.
Trail features
Horse camping for Black Mountain West
This is a beautiful trail right from the beginning. We rode it the first weekend in October after the area had received quite a bit of rain the week before. There were some muddy sections along the way, but nothing that was too difficult to manage. After about a mile, you’ll pass the first intersection with Bears Ears Trail. Stay to the left and continue up the incline for about 100 yards, then turn right onto Black Mountain Trail. From there, it’s a steady climb through the aspens. You’ll encounter plenty of rocky sections along the way, with increasingly spectacular views as you gain elevation. We made our way almost to the top before coming across a large downed tree that we couldn’t get around. We were on a fairly steep section of the trail at that point and had already gained just over 1,800 feet in elevation. The ride back down offered even more spectacular views and was just as beautiful as the climb up.
States where this trail appears
Campgrounds mentioning Black Mountain West
Freeman Reservoir Campground
Craig, COView detailsHide detailsAmenities AvailableWaterWaterPensPensHighlinesHighlinesTurnoutTurnoutStoreStoreDump StationDump StationBring * Set up your own * AllowedWaterWaterPensPensHighlinesHighlinesElectric FencingElectric FencingHookupsWaterWaterElectricElectricSewerSewer10
Freeman Reservoir Campground
Freeman Reservoir Campground is a beautiful, remote USFS campground surrounded by aspens and pines. The campground has upper and lower loops, with fire rings and picnic tables at each site. We chose the upper loop because it offered more options for our setup. Only about six sites are large enough to accommodate bigger rigs, and all sites are first come, first served.
The drive in is manageable with a larger rig, although the final stretch on CR 13 is an almost 10-mile, steady uphill pull. Once you arrive, the peaceful setting and mountain scenery make it a great place to get away from it all.
There are six corrals at the base of the campground, but they are in poor condition, so I wouldn’t plan on relying on them for your horses. The corrals are also a good distance from the campsites. Bring your own water for both you and your horses. If you need additional water, there is a hand-crank water pump about 100 yards from the corrals where you can fill your containers.
This is a very remote location with marginal cell service at best, so come prepared to be self-sufficient and enjoy being disconnected for a while.
The drive to Freeman Reservoir Campground was no problem. The final leg on CR 13 off US 40 is an almost 10-mile, steady uphill drive. The road is in good condition and should present no issues for a bigger rig.
Once you arrive at the campground, you’ll find an upper and lower loop. We chose the upper loop because it offered more options for our setup and larger rig.
This is a USFS campground, with fire rings and picnic tables at each site. The campground is surrounded by aspens and pines, making for a beautiful setting once you arrive.
There are six corrals available at the base of the campground; however, they are in poor condition, so I wouldn’t plan on relying on them for your horses.
Bring your own water. There is a hand-crank well pump about 100 yards from the corrals where you can fill your containers. The reservoir is also right next to the lower campground and could be used to pump water into containers if needed, but I would consider that a last resort.
We rode three different trails directly from camp. If you use hoof boots on your horses, you’ll definitely want them here, as there are plenty of rocky sections along the trails. Overall, the trails are beautiful and, for the most part, very well maintained.
The sites are first come, first served, and only about six are large enough to accommodate bigger rigs. Regardless of which site you choose, you’ll be a good distance from the corrals.
The corrals are in poor condition, so I would pay close attention to which stall you choose. Bring your own water, although a hand-crank well pump is available about 100 yards from the corrals.
Hoof protection is highly recommended, as some sections of the trails are very rocky.
This is a very remote location with marginal cell service at best, so come prepared to be self-sufficient.