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Wind your way uphill through drainages and meadows with fine views on this trail.


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Map Key

4.7

Miles

7.6

KM

90%

Runnable

6,752' 2,058 m

High

5,492' 1,674 m

Low

1,350' 411 m

Up

150' 46 m

Down

6%

Avg Grade (3°)

24%

Max Grade (14°)

Dogs No Dogs

Features Birding · Views · Wildflowers · Wildlife

Runner Notes

Footing is generally good on the trail. Do not expect to find water on the trail. It is more or less a continuous climb the length of the trail. Not a lot of shade on the trail.

Description

Park at the Hall Ranch parking area on highway 7 just outside of Lyons. Restrooms will be found here. The Nighthawk trail leaves the trailhead from the left about 100 ft from the entrance.

The trail will then wind its way uphill and around hillsides and drainages with fine views of the surroundings. As the trail gains elevation, several switchbacks will lead to the first of several meadows that were once used for grazing when this area was an active ranch.

Eventually, the trail traverses through a ponderosa stand leading to the highest meadows. These open meadows provide excellent views of Longs peak. As you continue, you'll pass the junction of the Button Rock Trail (stay to the right).

The trail ends at the junction with the Nelson Loop. Retrace your steps or continue onto Nelson to create a longer loop.

Flora & Fauna

Birds will be about. Deer have been seen often in the upper meadow areas, where good grazing is found. Mountain lions are in the area according to the Boulder County kiosk at the trailhead.

Contacts

Shared By:

John Scalese

Trail Ratings

  4.4 from 11 votes

#1

in Hall Ranch

#7235

Overall
  4.4 from 11 votes
5 Star
36%
4 Star
64%
3 Star
0%
2 Star
0%
1 Star
0%
Trail Rankings

#1

in Hall Ranch

#527

in Colorado

#7,235

Overall
33 Views Last Month
2,870 Since Nov 4, 2015
Intermediate/Difficult Intermediate/Difficult

0%
0%
64%
18%
18%
0%

Photos

Nighthawk Trail
Jun 14, 2023 near Lyons, CO
Longs Peak
Nov 5, 2015 near Lyons, CO
View of Mt. Meeker and Longs Peak.
Oct 15, 2016 near Lyons, CO
Snowcapped peaks under a cloudless sky.
May 8, 2021 near Lyons, CO
Not quite half way around the loop; almost to Button Rock Trail.
May 8, 2018 near Lyons, CO
Looking east toward Longmont, you get a great view of the mountains and pastoral grassland that comprise the Front Range.
Apr 19, 2017 near Lyons, CO
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Weather


Current Trail Conditions

All Clear 83 days ago
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Check-Ins

Feb 29, 2024
Rich Kelly
9.8mi — 2h 02m
Apr 21, 2023
Stefan Feider
Oct 15, 2016
DwightD Dettloff
Linked this up with part of the Hall Ranch Loop. Rocky and uphill but a great track near town. 4.7mi
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