Ladrone Gulch Trail #127

Ladrone Gulch Trail #127 is a steep ascent up the east slopes of the Black Range to Hillsboro Peak in the Aldo Leopold Wilderness. 

Best suited for strong hikers, Trail #127 ascends Middle Percha Creek to intersect the Black Range Crest Trail #79. For the skilled adventurer, it's an exceptionally rewarding experience to actually climb the mountain on Trail #127 as it gains 2,000 feet of altitude in three miles up the eastern slopes of the Black Range in the Aldo Leopold Wilderness. 

At the crest it connects with Trail #79 in a saddle south of Hillsboro Peak. It's another 0.75-mile and 800-foot ascent up the south and east slopes to the top of this 10,011-foot peak following Trail #79. There is a seasonally staffed Forest Service fire lookout tower at the top and outstanding views of the peaks along the crest of the range. Directly across the saddle is Hillsboro Bypass Trail #412 on the Silver City Ranger District. Follow Trail #79 up the west slope one mile to the top of the peak and descend down the east slope and back to Trail #127 to make a 3.25-mile loop over the peak. Hiking this loop will be a total of about 9.25 miles and a 3,000-foot elevation gain beginning at Ladrone Trailhead. 

Much of Ladrone Gulch Trail was damaged following the 2013 Silver Fire and many sections of trail were obliterated by post-fire flooding and erosion. Wayfinding is difficult.