Since I finished the C&O Canal, I plan on returning to doing Appalachian Trail day / segment hikes. There’s a lot of up & downs on the A.T., and I am doing intervals on North Mountain that match the elevation profiles of those segments. In addition, I want to do some more straight elevation.
Black Mountain was first, and I could knock it out quick — if 90 minutes for two miles is “quick” — since my wife & I have other things going on this week.
See last year’s Black Mountain hike for a hike description & video.
A few folks heading down as I was going up, but tons going up as I was heading down. I swear I did it faster than last year, but nope, 5 min. slower. No @BobP sighting.
Directions: From the Loop 101 / Pima Freeway in north Phoenix, take exit 28 north onto Cave Creek Rd. In 12.7 miles, in “downtown” Cave Creek, turn right on Schoolhouse Rd. In 250 yds., just after crossing the wash, is Military Rd. / Mark Way. Park either to the left or right in the spaces on the side of Military Rd. Parking is free, but respect homeowner’s frontage.
GPS File: Black_Mountain_Cave_Creek_2026
Distance: 2.37 mi.
AEG: 1,198 ft.
Time: 1h 32m
Twitter Video
On top of Black Mountain in Cave Creek, AZ. Only 1200 ft., but boy howdy! is it steep. 😅
(That thing zipping around is a hummingbird.) lol pic.twitter.com/fn5xDHqe95
— Kingsnake (@PrestonMcMurry) March 3, 2026
