Last year, when we were on top of Mt. Baldy with Tom, we looked north across the drainage at Black Mountain and discussed possibly hiking it "one-of-these-days." Well, that day was today! What really added to the enjoyment for this hike was that we were able to make it a "through hike." John & Mary were gracious enough to drop us off on the east end of the mountain and then pick us up later at a different ending spot. This allowed us to traverse across the top and come down a side draw that hid a mysterious sounding pond called "The Black Hole."
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After breakfast, John & Mary drove us to the east side of Black Mountain where we would begin our hike . . .
While we were hiking they drove to Duck Fork Reservoir to fish for a few hours |
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| Off we go! We should meet back up on the other side in about four hours |
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We made our way to the top of the ridge . . .
There was no trail but, thankfully, there were game trails and the bushwhacking was minimal |
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| It's always fun to discover new wildflowers . . . this is King's Flax |
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| Looking to the northeast as we gain elevation |
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| Utah Columbine are unique to subalpine rocky slopes |
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| Up on the first ridge . . . views were amazing! |
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| More fun flowers . . . Mountain Coyote Mint, Ragwort and Paintbrush |
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| Wow! What a feeling to be standing on the spine of a mountain! |
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| Utah Columbine grow from 2-12 inches tall . . . they covered the slope on the spine |
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Allison on the other side of the camera for a change!
(She's also on the other side of the spine . . . this is looking back from where we have come) |
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| Wasatch Penstemon |
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| We could see our campground and Mt. Baldy which we hiked last year |
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| Police Car Moth contrasts with this Canada Goldenrod |
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This is a neat picture that captures three of the peaks we climbed last summer with Tom
Mt. Baldy is on the left, with Peak 11071 (Island Lake Peak) next to Baldy,
and Musinia Peak (Mary's Nipple) to the right |
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| Colorful lichen on the limestone |
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| Wildflower filled meadows covered the plateau/mountain top |
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We followed this old road across the top and headed for Black Mountain
(The whole plateau is know as Black Mountain, but our GPS labeled
a specific bump as Black Mountain "proper") |
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| Western Yarrow and Fleabane |
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| We continued up the eastern slope of Black Mountain |
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| From the top we could see the Black Hole, our next stop, on our way down off the mountain |
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| Following a faint game trail, we came to an abrupt cliff edge . . . yikes! |
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| We looked for a better option and started our way down a game trail toward the Black Hole |
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Half-way down the steep talus slope . . . looking back at Black Mountain (10,743)
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The game trail was covered with deer and elk tracks
There were a few springs with water flowing into the pond |
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| We didn't see any sign of fish in the Black Hole . . . just salamanders |
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| Heading towards our rendezvous point . . . Mt. Baldy on the left and Musinia Peak on the right |
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Back in the aspens, and at the bottom of the ravine, we met up with the road
that will lead us to John & Mary . . . We have less than a mile to go! |
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| Ah . . . it was so good to see our 'Uber drivers!" |
This was a most enjoyable hike! If walking on the spine of a mountain and enjoying abundant and beautiful wildflowers, along with an alpine cirque that holds a small pond sounds like a fun exploration, then maybe this hike is for you. Our route came in at about six miles (one-way) with a little over 1,200 ft of total elevation (of which 890 ft was attained on the initial ascent). If you're in the area, consider this hike that gives you excellent views of the Wasatch Plateau!
