Introduction:
What? :
The challenging loop trail is 7 miles long with about 2000ft of elevation gain, plan for 3-4 hours hike.
This hike is not for everyone and involved with some rock scrambling up the steep section of the trail.
Following the trail you will climb to the top of the volcanic rugged ridgeline and from the top of the mountain you will be rewarded with sweeping panorama views of the desert mountains and valleys below.
Black Mountain rises to about 5,092 ft, making it the highest summit in the McCullough Range, located within the Sloan Canyon National Conservation Area.
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Where? :
Black Mountain is located within the Sloan Canyon National Conservation Area, south east of Henderson/Las Vegas.
Black Mountain Trailhead is located in Henderson neighborhood, Shadow Canyon Dr. park in the small parking lot on or on the road side.
When? :
The area is open year-round.
Best Times to Visit is during fall, winter, and spring when the temperatures are low.
Summer can be excessively hot, even for a short hike.
Due note 1:
All the landscape is exposed to the sun; Bring enough water for your hike (2-3 liter per person for half a day hike), sun protection, and wear sturdy shoes
Due note 2:
The wilderness area is fee-free.
Due note 3:
No restrooms at the trailhead.
Due note 4:
Dogs on leash are permitted.
My thoughts:
This is a fun hike and good exercise going up to the top of Black mountain. Involved with some scrambling in the last section of the climb to the mountain top.
As always where you can do a loop trail I prefer that. The loop is the better option in my mind and the downhill is easier on your knees.
I really enjoy this morning hike during the cooler winter months.
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The Hike:
This is a loop trail and I recommend doing it counter clockwise because I found it easier to climb up the steep scrambling section and ascend the longer and easier trail.
The trail starts with walking Anthem Trail, a paved trail leading to the dam.
Reach the dam top and start circling the “dry reservoir” area to its far side. After a short walk you will see a clear marked trail (BLM Trail 404) to the right, this will be 0.6 mile from the TH.
Here the trail climbs gently over rolling hills and desert terrain, following the ridgeline.
After 1.3 miles you will see a trail forking to your right, keep heading up to the direction of the mountain top.
Now the trail gets steeper as you go up, at first with several switchbacks leading to higher areas.
As you reach the final ascent to the mountain peak, the trail becomes very steep. Here you'll need to scramble over the rocks layers.
In the scrambling sections be careful from loose rock.
Although very steep it is not a long section of the hike and soon you will reach the top of the mountain.
This will be after 3.3 miles from the TH.
At the summit, you will find a stone circle that can protect from the cold wind, an ammo-can with a summit register, and sometimes a wind-beaten flag.
The view from the top of the mountain is impressive.
On a good visibility day you can see Las Vegas Valley, Lake Mead, Red Rock Canyon and Mount Charleston high mountains.
After resting, eating snacks, drinking and enjoying the view it is the time to start heading down.
You can walk back the same way or as I recommend, take the north loop path.
At start, the trail heads down and then it climbs to the next summit following the ridgeline.
On the ridgeline section the trail leading North is not marked really well (especially on the rocky sections) and you will need to find the exact path, once you find the trail leading down it is a clear trail and easy to follow.
From here the trail steeply descends with many small switchbacks.
After about 0.7-mile from the mountain top the trail becomes less steep as it follows the mountain arm down.
1.7 miles from the mountain top the trail reached the creek, crossed to the far side and turned into the direction of the “dry reservoir”.
A short walk from here and you will be back at the trail junction near the reservoir.
From here rejoin the paved trail and get to the starting point.
Summary:
Overall this 7 miles long loop hike is a great combination of outdoor activity, a solid workout and panoramic desert views without heading far from the city.
Highly recommended for local hikes and nature lovers.
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