Black Mountain Trail is a 6.8 mile heavily trafficked out and back trail located near Henderson, Nevada that offers the chance to see wildlife and is rated as difficult. The trail is primarily used for hiking, trail running, and nature trips and is best used from September until May. Dogs are also able to use this trail.
Trail BLM404 (Black Mountain) is an easy hike most of the way until the last ½ mile when you might have to engage in some scrambling (class 2). Because of the distance and last segment of the hike, it is considered strenuous by most accounts; it kicked my butt pretty good You access the trail via the Shadow Canyon Trailhead and follow a paved portion of the Anthem East Trail. There is a reservoir and you want to keep right of it (SE). You know you are on the right track if you pass by a small brick structure with a trail sign on it: find BLM404: this is the trail to Black Mountain. Follow along the top of the spillway till you see a sign that reads “Black Mountain Trail”. The trail itself is well marked from there and soon follows a ridgeline to the top. Warm weather hiking is difficult due to the lack of shade so bring plenty of water (3 liters when hot, 2-1 liters when cool). While the landscape is stark in the beginning, there are breathtaking views of the valleys below as you hike along a ridge line with some switch backs. As you get to higher elevations, there are small windswept Joshua Trees and about three types of Barrel Cactus. As you approach 1/3 of a mile from the peak, there are nice clusters of Teddy Bear Cholla… but be careful: these cacti are painful to brush by and often have little clusters that have fallen off the mother plant scattered about. You will know when you are getting close to the peak as the trail gets steeper and more rugged with loose rocks and a steeper assent. You might want to have your hands free to steady yourself at that point. The view was amazing from the top and totally worth the hike!
February 21, 2021February 20, 2021
February 20, 2021February 20, 2021February 18, 2021February 18, 2021This trail is good for cardio for sure. Love black mountain trail!
February 15, 2021I hiked pretty fast and reached the top in 1:38 hr and got back to my car at 2:49 Hr. I left shortly after 2 PM and the sun was to my back the whole time. It was breezy and my ears were a little cold. While going up there was a whole bunch of people coming down (4pm). About 3/4 of the way the hike was really steep with loose rocks and pebbles. I was extra cautious so i wouldn’t lose my footing. When I was going up I was thinking how am I going to get back down. I saw older women and gentle do it and even some kids. Just be careful with your footing as you’ll be looking down the whole time. The view is well worth. I didn’t spend too much time up there because it was windy and cold. I would’ve brought a hat next time.
February 13, 2021February 11, 2021Did this hike the morning of Super Bowl sunday. Weather was perfect with a small breeze at the top. Wouldn’t recommend doing this hike to anyone with bad ankles or weak legs. The last quarter mile or so to the top is a challenge. Spectacular views with the flag. Don’t forget to sign the book while you’re up there!
February 9, 2021Made the hike a loop by taking the 404 north loop. From the flag it looks a little sketchy but follow the spine of mountain and trail is easy to find again.
February 8, 2021February 7, 2021February 7, 2021February 7, 2021Took us nearly 5 hours with a 10 and 7 year old and a 10 month old in the back carrier. We enjoyed it but the last bit was quite hard work
February 6, 2021Tough uphill climb. Rocky difficult trail. Great views
February 3, 2021Pretty solid elevation gain. Nice panoramic from the top. Decent class 2 scrambling near the top W some fairly tricky scree. I’d suggest Boots n a trekking pole.
February 2, 2021Really good workout especially that scramble on the last 1/4 mile at the top! Overall great trip!
February 2, 2021January 31, 2021I took the 404 to 402 route. 404 was steep, but my dog didn’t want to do it after a while, so I discovered a loop that would take me back. The 402 trail plus some minor trails led me back to Shadow Canyon park area. The 402 was longer and flatter, but it had its fair share of meandering and up and down hills. I think my dog was suspicious. When would we get back? Finally did. Two hour round trip.
January 31, 2021January 30, 2021January 30, 2021Absolutely amazing! Definitely I will do it again
January 28, 2021Good hike. Ice and snow at top. Used shoe spikes. Temp at top 38 with wind chill 28.
January 24, 2021great times..
January 24, 2021Hard. Beautiful. As usual.
January 21, 2021Nice trail easy to follow Get hairy & steep , at the last 1/2 mile. But it’s very rewarding Get out there & I’ll be doing it over & over when I can
January 20, 2021I live right by this trail and I hike it often. It is a long hike but a great work out. I love it!
January 18, 2021
