Page Type:
|
Route |
|---|---|
Lat/Lon:
|
36.00600°N / 114.852°W |
Route Type:
|
Hiking |
Season:
|
Spring, Fall, Winter |
|
Time Required:
|
Half a day |
|
Overview
This is the recommended route up Black and/or Red Mountain. It is longer and more difficult than the Bootleg Wash Route, but it is also a much more scenic route and the trail is in good condition.Once climbing to a saddle the trail leads to the either to the east summit of Red Mountain (a communication tower adorns the west summit) or right to the south summit of Black Mountain which is 3540 feet elevation. The true summit is to the north and is 3628 feet elevation. I am not sure if off-trail hiking is allowed in order to reach the more northerly summit. The route doesn’t look that difficult, but since this is a trail constructed through a natural easement of Boulder City, off trail hiking might not be encouraged.
Black Mountain as seen from near the summit of Red Mountain.Getting There
The River Mountain Trailhead is located right at the north end of Boulder City. If approaching Boulder City from the west, take a left at the second stoplight (towards Hoover Dam) [this is the junction of Nevada Highway and Buchanan/Highway 93) and drive 0.7 miles to the marked trailhead.
Red Mountain as seen from not far above the River Mountains Trailhead.Route Description
This is a good trail, but near the beginning, it has several somewhat confusing junctions, at least if any signs are missing.The trail starts at kiosk and follows a concrete ditch for 100 yards before turning left. After a short distance, the trail reaches a junction. Turn left here (the trail is marked). Remember that you are aiming for the saddle between Red and Black Mountains (it is obvious which is which by their colors!).
The trail enters a canyon and climbs steadily, but not too steeply to the saddle between the two peaks. This is about 2 miles from the trailhead.
Red Mountain
To climb Red Mountain, turn left at the saddle. The trail reaches a road, crosses it and then heads up to the summit. This is 0.3 miles from the saddle.
Black Mountain
To climb Black Mountain, turn right at the saddle and follow the trail to the south summit of Black Mountain. This is about 0.6 miles to the summit.
View east from the summit of Black Mountain on a nice day in late November. Lake Mead, the Hoover Dam and the Bridge can all be seen.Climbing Red Mountain is 4.6 miles round trip with about 1200 feet elevation gain. Climbing Black Mountain is 5.2 miles round trip with 1200 feet elevation gain. Climbing both peaks is 5.8 miles round trip with about 1550 feet elevation gain.