Black Ridge

Trail Overview

Black Ridge is one of the more technical trails in Peach Valley but has incredible views from on top the mesa once you make it through all the rock ledges. Starting at the southern trailhead, it starts with a big dip across a ravine and a loose rocky climb up the mesa, and the obstacles start right away. Ride through small slab rock ledge obstacles, which are mostly like ramps if you pick the best line. These are more moderate difficulty compared to the rest of the trail. Then the trail winds in a ravine with more rock ledges and drop offs made of slab rock that are a 4-5 difficulty because they are technical, but not on a super steep hill or with ledge exposure, (like you'll experience later). Exit the ravine and the next section is marked with a hazard sign because the wrong way would be a 20 foot drop off into a rocky canyon. The trail skirts the canyon rim 5-10 feet from the edge. There's not really an exposure risk here, but would be scary for someone with a fear of heights. It continues along the rim of the canyon, with cool views down into the canyon, with small rock obstacles. Then the most technical section starts with a series of large rock ledges and stair steps. They are jagged, uneven, and slanted, without an obvious line to choose from. It continues up to the top of the mesa on a narrow single track right on the edge of the hill, with several more sections of ledges. One of these rocks is a very blunt 90 degree edge, and the next one is a very steep 5 foot ledge. The best way to get up it is to keep momentum and shift your weight forward right as you hit it. Once you are on top of the mesa it's an easier dirt trail that winds through the pinyon pine, still with some rock slab but nothing compared to the obstacles you just did. It ends at a great view of the mesa opposite the one you are on. From here you can keep going onto the Red Rocks Nighthorse trail, which also has very technical sections, or take Spikes trail back down to Eagle Valley.

Photos of Black Ridge

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Difficulty

Several technical rock ledges and steps that require advanced skills and maneuvering.

Technical Rating