Black VABM

Easiest access is from the Bentonite Hills section of the Hartnet Road. Although the peak is not in the Bentonite Hills-- its slopes actually turn from chossy badlands to being littered with volcanic rock-- and not in Cathedral Valley, either, it makes sense to include it as a child to the Cathedral Valley page since it is located between the two main backcountry roads making up the Cathedral Valley loop drive.

From the summit, views include the following: North and South Caineville Reef, South Caineville Mesa, the Henry Mountains, the Waterpocket Fold in Capitol Reef, and the high-desert plateau called the Hartnet.

VABM means vertical angle benchmark. Yes, there is a marker at the summit.

There are several ways to approach the peak. I am only going to describe the simplest.

2.7 miles east of the Capitol Reef NP boundary, turn off Utah 24 onto a dirt road that reaches the Fremont River in less than half a mile. Look for a "River Ford" sign. You need high clearance for this crossing, and you should always check the water levels first. This road, Hartnet Road, leads about 33 miles to Cathedral Valley Junction in Upper Cathedral Valley, passing several scenic overlooks along the way.

My route was Class 2 all the way. After traversing the badlands for a bit, I descended to flat ground and then started finding my way cross-country. Minimizing the ups and downs as much as possible made the route a little longer than a direct line would have been. 

At one point, approximately halfway to the peak, I did cross a 4wd road. I have not found this road on any maps and do not know where it begins or ends, and I do not know what the driving conditions are like.

Keep your vehicle on existing roads. Stay off the roads and the badlands in wet conditions unless you like getting stuck.