Black Cloud Trailhead

Posted On: 10/23/2024 By: bigfoot1
Info: I would argue this trailhead should be upgraded to a difficult 2wd trailhead. There is a pretty big dip right off the road, and the trailhead itself is super rocky and rooty. I scraped bottom on my way in and out with a low clearance car (3") but it is probably fine if you have more than 5" of clearance.

Posted On: 6/17/2024 By: AurumSun13
Info: Trailhead was very clean and clear of any snow. There were tons of spots to park and car camp, although I seemed to be the only one who did. Only a few people showed up during the day. No need for any high clearance or 4WD vehicles.

Posted On: 6/27/2021 By: masonpips
Info: Obviously easy access from 82 west of Twin Lakes. We were first on Saturday night and slept in the Jeep. One other guy showed up and slept in his truck. A couple of vehicles showed at 4 am and we saw a few others on the trail. Room for 8-10 cars easily. Some great tent camping spots a very short distance up the trail

Posted On: 6/26/2021 By: GordoByrn
Info: If you get to Mt Elbert Lodge, heading away from Twin Lakes, then you've gone too far. It's a tiny sign parallel to the road. Bear right when you enter the TH area.

Posted On: 5/6/2021 By: Jay521
Info: Obviously clear and dry to the TH but if you are thinking of hiking the trail, you will need snowshoes for much of the upper portion. Going up in the morning wasn't too bad but coming down, I was postholing even with snowshoes on. You can follow my tracks - although I didn't stick to the trail all the time. I got real tired of taking the snowshoes off and putting them back on...

Posted On: 7/5/2018 By: dhagan
Info: Trailhead fully accessible. No gates. Full access for parking.

Posted On: 6/22/2017 By: BillMiddlebrook
Info: ATTENTION! I just received this from the USFS... ============================== The Black Cloud TH and beginning of the trail itself will be closed from Sunday, June 25 at 3:00 PM through Thursday, June 29 for some restoration work. Michelle Mueggler Recreation Planner Forest Service San Isabel National Forest, Leadville Ranger District

Posted On: 9/25/2016 By: Fishdude
Info: We hiked Elbert from this trailhead on 9/24/16. There is a very small sign for the parking area. When we arrived we found the entrance blocked by a newish looking cable and lock with several signs about the Vesuvius mine claim. When we returned someone had dismantled the cable and left the u-clamps and lock on top of the posts. There is room for about three vehicles without completely blocking access should the cable be put back up.

Posted On: 7/5/2016 By: Tory Wells
Info: Perfect. Shared the trail with three other people on the Fourth, while the masses were herding on the Elbert standard route. No snow.

Posted On: 5/15/2016 By: BillMiddlebrook
Info: Open and dry

Posted On: 11/2/2015 By: Eagle Eye
Info: Still open and snow free. There is a place to put a chain or cable across 2 posts at the entrance to the TH. Does this ever happen? Lots of deer on 82 and especially on 24 between Buena Vista and Granite (junction of 24 and 82)

Posted On: 6/27/2015 By: BillMiddlebrook
Info: Open

Posted On: 12/16/2012 By: ledhead69
Info: Route 82 has a few spots of packed snow until the trailhead. Easiliy drivable with 2WD. The trailhead parking area has about 3 inches of fresh snow. 4WD *probably* wasn‘t necessary, but I was happy to have it.

Posted On: 12/5/2012 By: TravelingMatt
Info: Open and dry. TH is well east of the winter Independence Pass closure, so should be accessible all winter. Turnoff is signed with a small wooden sign parallel to the highway, not the easiest thing to spot. It is about 1/2 mile west of the Twin Peaks campground and a few hundred feet east of the Mt. Elbert cabins, just west of milepost 75.

Posted On: 12/11/2011 By: Boggy B
Info: Couple inches of snow but it‘s tracked so just about any vehicle could get in there.