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Ascent of Black Mesa High Point on 2012-06-04

Climber: Jim Retemeyer

Others in Party:

Seth Retemeyer <2757>
Emily Retemeyer

Date:

Monday, June 4, 2012

Ascent Type:

Successful Summit Attained

Motorized Transport to Trailhead:

4x4 Vehicle

Peak:

Black Mesa High Point

Location:

USA-Arizona

Elevation:

8168 ft / 2489 m

Ascent Trip Report

This was much easier than anticipated. We purchased our permits in Cameron the night before and stayed in Cameron. We got up at 0430 and drove to the Yazzi TH (95 miles). It is only 3.5 miles, at most, to the green water tanks on less than ideal dirt roads. We parked past the green tanks and was approached by the landowner. She was not particular thrilled that we were there or even planned to hike through her goat farm. She was very nice and decided to let us hike since we were already there. Future hikers may want to take this in consideration.
The first part of the hike consists of following the same road (rougher) toward the mesa. At a couple of junctions you need to go up. It is fairly easy to follow. You head up and west for a bit and then curve back east along a rib. As you get closet to the mesa itself you head east and before you know it you are ascending a steep switchbacking trail. It eventually heads back west and tops out on top of the mesa about a mile from HP. Follow footprints and/or stay within a 100 feet of rim.
The cairn of rocks by a Pinion Tree takes a little effort to find. There is another spot closer to the rim which "seemed" higher. We stood on both places.
We had lunch on the rim with magnificent views. Having lunch with my kids on my last county highpoint of Arizona is truly rewarding beyond words.
The descent was uneventful.

Summary Total Data

Elevation Gain:

2018 ft / 615 m

Distance:

10 mi / 16.1 km

Trailhead:

Just past green water tanks 6150 ft / 1874 m

Grade/Class:

Class 1

Quality:

5 (on a subjective 1-10 scale)

Route Conditions:

Road Hike, Unmaintained Trail, Open Country

Gear Used:

Ski Poles

Weather:

Pleasant, Breezy, Clear

Ascent Statistics

Time Up:

2 Hours 35 Minutes

Descent Statistics

Time Down:

1 Hours 50 Minutes

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