Discover Black Hawk: Trails, HARD District, and History
Accommodation in Black Hawk
Black Hawk offers several ways to shape your stay: the HARD District, with shopping and dining; traces of mining and railroading; a trail network with historical connections; and casinos.
HARD District: Shops, Dining, and Events
The HARD District was created as a pedestrian-friendly plaza with shopping, dining, art, entertainment, and outdoor recreation. Shops are located in historic buildings. The District brings these different themes together in one place, from browsing the shops to enjoying art and outdoor activities. The HARD District also hosts events. If you are traveling for an event, check the schedule before making your plans.
Mining and Railroad History
In 1868, Black Hawk was called the “City of Mills” because ore was processed in water-powered stamp mills. The mining history is closely tied to a specific part of the city’s past: ore was processed in the mills, giving rise to the historic nickname. Another important step followed in 1872, when the Colorado Central Railway was extended to Black Hawk. It created an important connection to the national rail network.
Many casinos are also housed in historic buildings, often at least a century old. Together with the shops in the HARD District’s historic buildings, this gives the city’s history a visible architectural dimension. For visitors interested in the interplay of mining, transportation, and historic buildings, these features offer a distinct perspective on Black Hawk.
Trails and Historic Traces
Maryland Mountain Quartz Valley Open Space Park includes Bonanza Mill, a historic site. Its trail network runs through or along Maryland Mountain, Chase Gulch, and Quartz Valley, and includes the historic narrow-gauge Gilpin Tramway. The landscape names and tramway connect wayfinding on the ground with the region’s history.
North of downtown, the Hidden Treasure Trailhead is located at 8060 Black Hawk Blvd. There is ample parking. A bicycle and pedestrian bridge over Highway 119 provides a safe connection to the Historic Gilpin Tramway Trail and the entire trail network. The trailhead and park trails offer different points of orientation: a specific address with a bridge connection, and a trail network that includes Maryland Mountain, Chase Gulch, and Quartz Valley.
Routes Around Black Hawk
The Peak to Peak Scenic and Historic Byway runs from Estes Park in the north to Black Hawk in the south and was established in 1918. The Great Parks Bicycle Route has a different connection to Black Hawk: State Highway 119 and County Road 279 in Black Hawk are part of this route. Those navigating by the different route names can find both the byway’s broader regional context and the specifically named roads on the bicycle route.
Casinos and Practical Information
Black Hawk’s casino offerings range from thousands of slot machines to blackjack and poker. The city is listed as having 17 casinos and more than 200,000 square feet of gaming space. Gaming offerings and capacity figures can change; check current information if you are planning around them. Free parking is available near all casinos. As parking arrangements can change, it is a good idea to check for current information before arriving.
When comparing hotels in Black Hawk, you can use your planned activities as a first filter: trails and the historic tramway, local history and the HARD District, or casino offerings each offer a different focus. This lets you tailor your hotel search to the themes that will shape your trip.
Discover more destinations: Central City
For the broader travel overview: Gilpin County.
