"Black Cat Peak" is a small unnamed summit in the Virginia Lakes area of the Hoover Wilderness. It is part of the same intrusion of dark granite as Black Mountain .6 miles to the east on the same ridgeline. The peak has 2 high points. This gives it the appearance of a cat's head with the 2 ears. The east one has the USGS measured elevation, 11,524'.
This is an easy class 2 ascent less than a half mile to the south from the saddle (11,120') of the Summit Lake Trail. The best views are to the south over Lundy Canyon to the Yosemite high Sierra and northeast to Dunderberg Peak and the Virginia Lakes area.

Getting There

Yosemite high Sierra from "Black Cat Peak"

From the junction of Hwy. 120 go north 12 miles on Hwy. 395 to Conway Summit (8,143'). From Bridgeport go south 13 miles on Hwy 395 to Conway Summit.
At Conway Summit take the Virginia Lakes Road 6 miles west to the trailhead at roads end parking lot (9,800').
Take the Summit Lake Trail as it weaves gradually up past the lakes up to the saddle at 2.5 miles (11,120'). Hike southeast .35 miles to the peak. Traverse around to the right and scramble up to the high point.

Red Tape

Northeast pano from "Black Cat Peak"

No permits required for day hiking in the Hoover Wilderness.
For camping permits in the Hoover Wilderness contact:
Humboldt/Toiyabe National Forest
Bridgeport Ranger District
HCR 1 box 1000
Bridgeport, Ca. 93517
760-932-7070

Camping

Peaks above Summit Lake

Southwest pano from "Black Cat Peak"

The only campground is Trumbull Lake (9,745') just northeast of the trailhead.

Images

$"Black Cat Peak", 11,524\' from Summit Lake Trail$
	$Southeast to Mt. Warren, 12,327\' from "Black Cat Peak"$	$Peak 11,568\' and Dunderberg Peak from Black Cat Peak" northwest slope$
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