Black Mountain Trail

Great hike with my teenagers, all the way to the American flag on the summit. Access the trailhead via S. Eastern, left on Atchley, left on Shadow Canyon; then you can follow it around to the parking lot or park on one of the residential streets. We hiked in August, started around 6:00 am. Even though the sun was starting to come up, the trail was actually mostly in the shade well into 8 am-​9 am. Gorgeous views from the top, along with a sign-​in book and Amercian flag that makes for great photos. Will do this one again!

Great hike. wear boots, and if you do it in the summer, start no later than 5 or 6am. On my way down there were a lot of trail runners which was pretty cool (I hope to be like them one day lol), the scenery/​view is really nice. I started at 5am and it was pretty windy. Took me almost 3 hours since I kept stopping for water and to «ooohhh ahhh» at the view.
Unfortunately I didn’t go all the way to the top because I’m not in the best shape at all. The hike is pretty moderate until you get to the last mile or so. Bring at least 2L of water with you, more if it’s later in the day.
I will do this again, but with hiking boots (my ankles are pretty sore right now), maybe trekking poles, and better stamina lol.

What a great hike! Easy to follow and no special equipment needed. The last ½ mile or so is the hardest part, but after your right on top. Easy hike with great views! Took us just under 4 hours. I can see it being tough in the summer there’s no shade.

A lot has been going on in my life lately and yesterday I had a notion that I wanted to hike and clear my thoughts. I grabbed a sandwich from Beach Hut deli and started to head for Black Mountain Trail. I’m not too familiar with Red Rock and didn’t want to take a chance by myself out there. (later my future husband met up with me so I didnt go alone). After taking Unilocal directions we wound up in a gated neighborhood but had to sneak in because well it’s gated. I wasn’t comfortable with leaving my car in a gated neighborhood that I was unfamiliar with so we followed Daniel’s directions from his review on Unilocal going through Anthem leading us to Anthem Trail.
Unilocal check in said we were at Black mountain trail so I went with it. We started out on Anthem Trail and made our way up Black Mountain to maybe half way. Maybe?! Total distance was about three and a half miles but because of times sake, it was getting dark and we didn’t finish black mountain trail. Maybe I should have parked in the residential neighborhood but daylight got the best of us and we weren’t able to finish I mean we could have but I’m not a fully equipped hiker with headlight gear and what not. We got to see a beautiful sunset though so that was definitely a plus.
I’m almost eshamed to admit that I have lived in Vegas my whole life and haven’t taken advantage of enjoying the great outdoors here. Only now have I realized how beautiful the desert can be. Breathtaking landscape, volcanic rock, and desert shrubs along with a killer view of Las Vegas and the strip were just a few of the things I witnessed here. Granted I didn’t go all the way up, I wish we came earlier and made it to the top but I will be back to conquer Black Mountain.
Definitely a great local spot if you live in the Anthem area or in the Southwest side of Las Vegas. Just make sure to watch out for snakes bring water and a snack, and enjoy the beauty that this majestic desert has to offer. This was the perfect place for me to unwind, relieve some stress and appreciate life. I felt much better right after.

Went on this hike with a friend, neither of us are in outstanding shape to say the least. We were able to complete the hike in about 3 hours round trip. The trail (once you find the trail) is very clearly marked and relatively easy. The entrance to the trail is very tricky to find, but based upon some great in depth reviews we were able to follow directions and find it, being first timers. Once you near to the summit, the last ¼ mile becomes much more steep. Scrambling is necessary at that point, but still do-​able for an inexperienced hiker. We had a great time! The view at the top is breathtaking! Literally a view over the entire valley of Las Vegas as well as the over peek of the desert lands beyond towards boulder city. We defiantly plan to do this trail again!

This is an outstanding hike. I first did the hike in January 2007, and I decided to give it a go yesterday, March 20, 2014. The trail has changed somewhat with the addition of some switchbacks that weren’t there in the past. The final ascent is also a bit easier.
It took me two hours to reach the summit. My GPS shows I was moving 1 hour and 39 minutes which means I was taking photos or I was stopping to get my breathing back in line.
Daniel’s review has a great description. The only thing I can add is the photo showing the dirt trail that you have to take to the back side of the retention basin to get to the Sloan Canyon NCA signs and the Black Mountain trailhead sign. If you cross the spillway of the retention basin, you haven’t gone far enough.
The way back was much easier for me because I find coming downhill easier. I wear hiking boots with good tread and I tend to dig in better.
One of the new views from the summit is to look to the south and see the three towers to the newly opened Ivanpah Solar Electric project. You can see the gleam off the towers along the trail when you get enough altitude. You can see all three well from the summit.
Take a look at the solar plants in the Eldorado Valley also. The views from the top are great.
Happy hiking!

Wow! 2013 had been a fantastic year for outdoor adventures. I was going to end the year on a hiking adventure where I was going to rise above it all. I was going to hike up Black Mountain.
Black Mountain is a 5, 092 foot high peak in the McCullough Mountain range inside the Sloan Canyon National Conservation Area. A mountain that had been isolated from the metropolitan area 15 years ago is now in the backyard of Henderson’s Anthem masterplanned community.
The best way to get to the trailhead is to drive on Eastern Avenue toward Anthem and then keep left on Sun City Anthem Parkway. After the third traffic signal and past the Walgreen’s turn left on Atchley Drive. At Shadow Canyon Drive turn left. The small parking lot is on the left.
Before I describe the hike, I want to empthasize that I wouldn’t have been able to reach the summit without a knapsack of hydration and hiking boots. This is a strenuous hike with approximately 2, 000 feet of elevation gain.
The beginning of the hike is confusing. It starts out on the right-​of-​way on the southernmost segment of the signed Anthem East Trail. Signing for the Black Mountain Trail is nonexistent as the paved path winds through the edges of the Anthem community. When suburbia merges with the Sloan Canyon National Conservation Area in a spot that looks like an amphitheater, Anthem East Trail suddenly changes to a north to south trail parallel to powerlines. Whatever you do, avoid aiming for the mountain with antennas. The trick is to continue past the powerlines and leave the Anthem East Trail. So instead of turning left to follow the paved trail, continue straight on a dirt trail that travels downhill. I believe it is marked Road 401. Sloan Canyon border markers are the landmarks. After a short distance following the border markers there will be the Black Mountain Trail sign.
From this point forward, the approximately 2 hour hike (each way) is uphill. From the Black Mountain Trail sign to the summit the trail is clear but unsigned. The first thousand feet of elevation gain is relatively gentle switchbacks with some loose gravel covering distances. With each step, the panoramic views of Las Vegas and southwest Henderson become more breathtaking. Volcanic rock-​hence the name Black Mountain and creosote with a sprinkling of cactuses and joshua trees fill the rising desert carpet. With each step up in elevation, the summit gets closer and larger. This is a strenuous hike and I was appreciating the hydration. Toward the last 1, 000 feet in elevation, steep vertical climbing replaces the switchbacks. There are segments where large volcanic rock replace the clear trail. To reach the summit, it was necessary to scramble. If you are new to hiking, scrambling is utilizing your hands and feet on steep vertical inclines.
Once I reached the summit, I felt like I landed on the moon. The American flag is the landmark on the summit. I literally felt like I rised above it all. The views from the 5, 092 feet summit is breathtaking. One direction, I could see across the Las Vegas valley to the Spring Mountains. Another direction I could see across Henderson to Lake Las Vegas. Looking another direction I looked down on a US 95 cutting through Eldorado Canyon and across Boulder City and into the Lake Mead National Recreation Area. The topography on the summit is volcanic rock. By the volcanic rock, I signed the log book.
When I did the 2 hour hike back, it was getting dark. Although I don’t recommend hiking when it gets dark without a flashlight, it is a spiritual experience. When I walked down Black mountain during sundown, I saw the sun turn Black Mountain orange. As sundown turned to evening, the hike exposed my eyes to the illuminated valley below. The city lights reflected the trail which eventually brought me back to the Anthem East Trail and ultimately to my car.
After hiking to the summit of Black Mountain and back, I ended 2013 rising above it all. As I write this minutes before 2013 turns to 2014 my New Years resolution is another year of rising above it all on Happy and Healthy outdoor adventures.
Happy New Year! May 2014 be a fantastic year :-)

Really enjoyed this hike! For the most part the hike wasn’t too strenuous until the very end (maybe about ½ mile). It gets pretty rocky and steep towards the top so be prepared. Also be cautious on the way down of this portion. There’s lots of loose rocks and it’s VERY easy to slip. The view from the top is pretty cool– you can see the strip, suburbs and all the surrounding mountains. Allow yourself 3 – 4 hours for this hike. It took us about 3 and we were going at a pretty good pace until we got near the top. If you’re in Henderson and want a nice hike but don’t want to drive to Mt. Charleston or Red Rock, this is a nice alternative.

This is a great neighborhood hike. If you live in the Anthem area, you are lucky to have this right in your backyard! Literally.
This first two miles of the trail is fairly easy and offers a mild warm up. You will pass lots of volcanic rock and desert shrub, the vegetation out in the area is so pretty. There are some easy switchbacks along the way as well. Once you hit the ridge line, it does get steeper and there are several spots where you will scramble, with use of hands, and this continues until you hit the summit. The good thing about this hike is there is a trail all the way to the top, so no chance of getting lost.
The view from the top is amazing. Mt Charleston, Red Rock, Arizona, Lake Las Vegas, perfect view of the entire city. No need for a helicopter tour. And please, everyone pick up after yourself. No one wants to see a dirty kleenex on our pretty trails.
Stats:
6.5 miles round trip, up and back
2100 feet elevation gain
Allow up to 4 hours for entire hike, but most should be able to reach the summit in 90 minutes and another 60 – 90 minutes down.
No need for poles, but if you have them, bring them.
Last time I was up, someone had stole the sign in log.

Climbed last year as a final summit. My climbing buddy and I climbed several peaks last year with Charleston being one of them. Finishing off with this one I thought what a perfect first peak to climb for beginners. Signing in will whet the appetite for more and the hike is just the right amount of work and pay off. Follow the directions the other reviewers give and climb this during the week if possible because the small parking lot fills up quickly.

It’s been a few years since I’ve hiked this trail but I remember having a blast on it.
It was well defined and easy to follow all the way to the top.
I seem to recall the hike was about 6 miles round trip with about 2000 ft of elevation gain.
Here’s a link with good directions to get to the trail head
This is not an easy hike and you’ll want to make sure you’re in decent shape. You’ll enjoy this hike more in the cooler months as there is not shade anywhere on the trail. Doing this in the middle of summer could be a killer.

I have been up to the summit of Black Mountain (The highest peak in the North McCullough Range) three times. The ease of hiking to the top and the view at 5092 feet that awaits never ceases to amaze me.
To get to the trail head…
Take EASTERN south and merge with ANTHEM PKWY. Make a LEFT on ATCHELY DR. Make a LEFT on SHADOW CANYON DR. The look for the small parking lot that is the start of the trail.
Keep and eye for the signs but as you begin the gradual assent you need not worry about where your going as the trail is clearly defined. Like I said the elevation gain is gradual until you you almost hit the peak but even this is no problem. No hands needed just strong legs.
Depending on your start time (earlier the better) you might even see Mountain Sheep!
Once on the peak be sure to sign the summit log. Enjoy the incredible views of the valley below and the surrounding mountain ranges and even Arizona.
My recommendations are as follows…
1. Wear hiking boots. Your ankles will thank you for it on the way down.
2. Bring plenty of water even when it’s cool.
3. Get an early start. OR a late one. When I lived in the area I would see head lamps attacking the summit in the darkness.
4. If you think you should turn around, trust your gut an do so. Especially if it starts to warm up which in the summer it does quickly!