Comments on: Hiking Black Crater

By: Jeff H

Jeff H — Wed, 06 Sep 2023 03:49:47 +0000

In reply to Tammy.

Hi Tammy! Yes, at this time of year the trail is easy to follow, but I still recommend bringing a map and/or download a map using AllTrails or GaiaGPS.

There are no junctions — just follow the trail. There is one short reroute around a large downed tree, but it’s pretty obvious.

Have fun!

By: Tammy

Tammy — Wed, 06 Sep 2023 02:42:42 +0000

In reply to Jeff Hester.

Jeff Hester)
Thanks for the information! I am planning on summiting Black Crater this week. My friend backed out, is it safe to hike alone, is the trail. marked?

Thank you for the information!

By: Valoree Hummel

Valoree Hummel — Thu, 13 Jul 2023 23:15:56 +0000

Did Black Crater today. Perfect day for getting the crystal clear views – no smoke, a few puffy clouds – this was great! The trail remains riddled with fallen trees, but hikers have created as many “work-arounds” as are likely possible. There’s a few wildflowers as you go along, with the majority on the top section of the hike – still very fresh and pretty. I saw a few small snow spots up top, but those will melt away very soon. Trail is in good shape, but be ready for the downed tree stuff. A bit of the usual wind at the summit, and lots of pollinators. Very enjoyable hike!

By: Stephanie Johnson

Stephanie Johnson — Tue, 19 Apr 2022 02:07:00 +0000

The orbiting insects were swarming around the summit when we hiked Black Crater Trail in 1979. My conjecture is that the insects shall inherit the earth! To be so close to and overwhelmed by the towering Three Sisters peaks was an experience I’d love to live again.

By: Jeff Hester

Jeff Hester — Tue, 01 Jun 2021 17:16:50 +0000

In reply to Suzanne Jones. Very true. I saw that last year when I hiked it. Still a beautiful hike though. Have you been up there this year? I read that the road to the trailhead doesn't open until June 21st. I was thinking about maybe doing a bike-and-hike trip to go up earlier, but not sure if I'll have time before then.

By: Suzanne Jones

Suzanne Jones — Mon, 31 May 2021 15:12:25 +0000

The trees are almost all gone until the upper portion of the hike now due to the Milli fire in 2017. Take plenty of water and sunscreen as entire hike is exposed. Trail (what wasn’t under snow) was still in remarkably good condition and small flowers and plants are beginning to return.

By: Jeff Hester

Jeff Hester — Sat, 18 Apr 2020 21:42:14 +0000

In reply to David Earley.

Thanks David!

Not sure what you mean about “conflicting photos”. Can you clarify?

As for tracking the elevation, I use GaiaGPS on my iPhone. In the past I used a dedicated Garmin GPS device, but GaiaGPS on my iPhone has proven to be as accurate and much easier to use. You can download map layers in advance, so you can use Airplane mode on your phone and conserve battery life.

By: David Earley

David Earley — Sat, 18 Apr 2020 05:34:10 +0000

What a fantastic looking hike! I would love to bring my pup up there. Some great conflicting photos on the way up, but they look amazing. The Three Sisters in the distance looks like an even tougher climb. How are you tracking elevation? Do you use gear, or some type of app for that?