EasyDirt

Black and Blue Loop

Manitou Springs, Colorado · El Paso County

Black and Blue Loop is a easy hiking trail near Manitou Springs in El Paso County, Colorado.. The surface is dirt. Trail data is sourced from OpenStreetMap.

🧭 Get Directions 🗺️ Open in OSM

38.91251, -104.83608

Open in OpenStreetMap

5-Day Forecast

Weather at Black and Blue Loop

Live forecast for the trailhead. Use it to pack and time your hike.

Avg High87°F

Avg Low62°F

Peak Rain Chance22%

Humidity66%

UV (avg)8

Air Quality78 · Moderate

Today

🌦

Light Drizzle

89°/64°

💧 22%🌬 12mph

↑ 5:57 AM ↓ 8:14 PM

Wed

🌦

Drizzle

87°/62°

💧 15%🌬 14mph

↑ 5:57 AM ↓ 8:13 PM

Thu

🌦

Drizzle

91°/62°

💧 19%🌬 11mph

↑ 5:58 AM ↓ 8:12 PM

Fri

🌧

Rain Showers

85°/61°

💧 15%🌬 14mph

↑ 5:59 AM ↓ 8:11 PM

Sat

🌦

Light Drizzle

84°/61°

💧 5%🌬 12mph

↑ 6:00 AM ↓ 8:10 PM

Forecast data © Open-Meteo. Refreshed every 6 hours. Always check the most recent forecast before heading out.

About Black and Blue Loop

Black and Blue Loop is a easy hiking trail near Manitou Springs in El Paso County, Colorado.. The surface is dirt. Trail data is sourced from OpenStreetMap.

What “Easy” Means

Gentle terrain, well-marked. Suitable for all ages and fitness levels.

Difficulty is derived from OpenStreetMap’s Swiss Alpine Club (SAC) hiking scale, trail visibility, surface, distance, and elevation gain. Always verify current conditions before heading out.

What to Pack & Wear

Personalised to this trail’s length, elevation, difficulty, and the live forecast.

👔 What to Wear

👕
UPF sun shirt (long sleeve)
Cooler than direct sun on bare skin.
🩳
Light shorts/skirt
Loose-fit, breathable.
🧢
Wide-brimmed sun hat
Plus a buff/bandana you can wet for cooling.
🕶
Polarized sunglasses
Critical for glare from sun + sand/water.

🎒 What to Pack

💧
Water
Bring at least 1L of water; more in heat.
🍫
High-energy snacks
A snack for the trail.
🧴
Sun protection (UV 8)
SPF 50+ sunscreen, lip balm w/ SPF, sunglasses, sun hat.
🩹
First-aid kit
Blister patches, ibuprofen, tape, antiseptic wipes.
🗺
Offline map
Download your route in advance via Gaia, Caltopo, or OSM-based apps.

Recommendations adapt to the current forecast + trail stats. Use them as a starting point — local conditions, your experience, and the time of day you start all matter.

Trail Safety in Colorado

Trail conditions in Colorado change with weather, season, and fire activity. Closures, washouts, and rerouting are common. Before heading out:

Check with the land manager for current conditions and closures
Tell someone your plan and expected return time
Know your turn-around limits — conditions can change fast
Carry the 10 essentials: water, food, navigation, first aid, light, fire, shelter, knife, sun protection, extra clothes

Frequently Asked Questions

How hard is Black and Blue Loop?

Black and Blue Loop is rated Easy. Suitable for most hikers including families.

Can I ride a bike on Black and Blue Loop?

Yes — bicycles are allowed on this trail (designated bike route).

What is the trail surface on Black and Blue Loop?

The surface is dirt. Natural surface — sturdy footwear recommended; can be muddy after rain.

When is the best time to hike Black and Blue Loop?

Colorado has trail conditions that vary by season. Spring and fall usually offer the best mix of temperature and trail conditions. Check the 5-day forecast above for current outlook. Always verify trail status (closures, washouts, fire restrictions) with the local land manager before going.

References & Maps

View original OpenStreetMap record — source data
Open OpenStreetMap at trailhead
Driving directions (Google Maps)

Nearby

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Sunlit footpath winding through a tall conifer forest

Photo: Jay MantriEasyCO

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