Black Mountain Trail
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| Black Mountain Trail |
Total distance (One Way) : 1.43 mi.
Starting elevation: 2,070 ft. Summit elevation: 3,276 ft.
On Thursday, March 15, 2007 Ira Ungar, Barbara McGovern, Lori Johnson and I hiked the Black Mountain Trail in Cave Creek. To get to the trailhead proceed north on Cave Creek Road toward Cave Creek. As the road bears right proceed to School House Rd. (a four way stop), turn right and go about 1/4 mile to where vehicles are parked along side the road. Once parked, continue to proceed south on the road to a driveway that turns left toward a house. Just to the right of the driveway, the trail up the mountain appears.
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| From the start. | As the trail starts |
The trail is not marked, but is easily followed. It is very steep and there is a lot of loose soil and rocks to slip on. The trail becomes steeper as it continues up the mountainside. Unlike many trails, Black Mountain trail is not full of major switchbacks which makes it more difficult. The views of the valley and surrounding area are spectacular.
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| Continuing up | Quite a view |
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| Who's the tallest? | Yes, Ira and I are here. |
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| View to the north | There's Squaw Peak. |
There are about four false summits during the hike but don't get frustrated, going all the way is worth the effort. When you arrive at the summit, the views are even better. You can even see Squaw Peak off in the distance.
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| The summit | Going back down |
I would consider this trail a more difficult trail than Squaw Peak Summit trail because it is far steeper, longer and in most areas slipperier due to loose rocks. I would also consider this trail a very good training trail for a future Grand Canyon hike. There isn't much parking available therefore if you go as a group, I would recommend car pooling.
Larry Wayt (larry@live2hike.org)