Black Range Crest Trail
~4 days · 50 mi · strenuous · Point-to-point
Quick facts
What the Black Range Crest Trail is known for
Point-to-point along the crest of New Mexico's Black Range on Crest Trail #79, running through the Aldo Leopold Wilderness from the McKnight Mountain area south across Emory Pass (NM 152) to the trail's southern end near Sawyers Peak. The Forest Service lists the trail at 36 miles; the route crosses fire-scarred high country with long views east to the Rio Grande valley and west to the Gila. Strenuous, typically 3-5 days.
Elevation profile
Elevation ranges from 20,407 ft to 32,680 ft over 50 mi. Measured from OSM geometry (approximate).
- Uphill 21.3 mi · 43%
- Downhill 24.8 mi · 50%
- Flat 3.7 mi · 7%
Ridgefold breaks every route into uphill, downhill, and flat — see the full per-day breakdown in the app.
Frequently asked questions
How many days does the Black Range Crest Trail take?
Most backpackers hike the Black Range Crest Trail in about 4 days (3 nights out) over its 50 miles, though pace varies with fitness and conditions.
How much elevation gain is on the Black Range Crest Trail?
The Black Range Crest Trail climbs roughly 10,151 ft total — about 203 ft per mile, topping out near 10,121 ft.
Related trails
Sources & attribution
Route geometry and stats derived from OpenStreetMap (© OpenStreetMap contributors, ODbL) — source relation. Stats are approximate and may differ from official surveys; permit rules and conditions change — verify with the managing authority before your trip. Last reviewed July 2026.