Overview – This loop is a great way to explore some of the 1,200-acre Swaner Nature Preserve. There is very little shade along the route and this trail is best early morning, late afternoon and in the shoulder seasons. The Blackhawk portion of the route is a lesser-traveled trail than following the Stealth/Glenwild Loop route. *There is a short cut at mile 2 where you can connect back to the Stealth Trail for a 2.5-mile loop.
What to Expect – From the parking area head north, after crossing the bridge take a right where you will then cross the road to pick up the trail. This loop can be done in either direction, I prefer counter-clockwise and climbing the switchback in the beginning. The first section of the trail follows above the East Canyon Creek, which flows through the Swaner Nature Preserve. Be sure to stop for a minute to look for wildlife and waterfowl that frequent this area. There are a few interpretive signs and benches along the route, the first one is at .5-mile at the first the switchback. The next .75-mile is a steady climb as you zig-zag through a series of switchbacks. The first intersection is at 1.25-mile where you will take a left continuing on the Blackhawk Trail. At 1.5-mile you will cross the road, continue heading west on a dirt road that will connect to a single-track trail on the left side. This intersection is not marked, but the trail is easy to see. The next intersection is the 2-mile mark where you will continue straight on the trail. *Heading left would connect you back to the Stealth Trail. The next .5 mile is another short climb where you will come to the end of the Blackhawk Trail. Take a left here and continue on the Stealth Trail. The next intersection is at mile 3, where you will take a left and head downhill on a dirt road for about 200 yards to the trail. This is the end of the climbing, the remaining 2.5 miles on the Stealth Trail is all downhill.
