Looking north at the austere, volcanic landscape of Black Mountain.
14 SEPTEMBER 2025 W7A/CS-040
| Elevation: | 7,507′ |
| Route: | Cross country |
| Hike Distance: | 1 mile round trip |
| Elevation Gain: | 550′ |
| Navigation: | Easy |
| Steepness: | Moderate |
| Vehicle: | Passenger car |
| Road: | Good dirt road |
| Cell Coverage: | Good Verizon |
Originally I had intended to do Baby Black the same day as Black Mountain next door, but I ran out of gas after trudging up the volcanic scree on the latter. My revised plan was to get up at O’Dark Thirty and ascend the smaller mountain before driving back to California.
I’m glad I chose this plan as it allowed me to take my time and enjoy this strange landscape a bit more.
The hike is short and somewhat steep if one attacks it directly. I chose to meander a bit along use and animal trails and traverse along makeshift switchbacks. There is a fence that is easily crawled under right at the start. Small pines dot the summit for antenna supports. The summit has a wonderful view of Sunset Crater, Black Mountain, O’Leary Peak and, of course The San Francisco Peaks.
Radio conditions were good. I heard from Gary in Pennsylvania for the first time in a long time and Christian was very clear from France. Thank you chasers!
KG6MZS 
Leave a comment