Blackmer Trail forms one of Cheyenne Mountain State Park’s premier loops. And like other trails here at the base of the granite marvel on Colorado Springs’ south side, you can bet on solitude. Consistently whenever we visit, it seems to us hikers and mountain bikers overlook the park, opting instead for busy destinations across the city to the north. 

The Blackmer loop is reached from the Prairie Falcon Amphitheatre, where the mountain is in full, humbling view. At the parking lot’s southeast corner, see the small sign for Boulder Run and the steps leading down to the wide path. Going right, Boulder Run meets the two-pronged loop; we started it by going straight. 

Blackmer gently ascends past busted fence lines and rusted relics recalling ranch life here. The trail narrows in the pines and oak, lending to an intimate wild nature experience that feels far removed from the highway humming to the east by Fort Carson. 

Where Cougar’s Shadow Trail goes right, we continued to follow Blackmer’s purple signs pointing straight. The well-marked loop largely stays in the forest, and we were grateful for the shade on this hot afternoon (another great loop in the park, Sundance, is mostly open under the sun). 

Close to 1 ½ miles at a “T,” the loop continues left and down toward views of the foothills to the south and then Fort Carson and the distant plains. The woods clear for an idyllic meadow and more views of Cheyenne Mountain before another well-marked T”; Blackmer continues to the left and up past a drainage. 

The path leads to the familiar, grassy hillside where we started the loop. Boulder Run goes right, back to the parking lot. 

Trip log: 3.7 miles (loop), 479 feet elevation gain

Getting there: Off Interstate 25, take exit 140 for Tejon Street/Nevada Avenue. Go south on Nevada, which becomes Colorado 115, leading to the state park. Through the fee kiosk, follow signs to the amphitheater parking lot. 

FYI: If without Keep Colorado Wild pass on car registration, $10-$12 entrance fee per vehicle. No dogs. Multi-use trail. Park open 5 a.m.-10 p.m.

SETH BOSTER, THE GAZETTE