Black Mountain Summit Trail
Conquer the steep, rocky Black Mountain Summit Trail for breathtaking panoramic views of the Sonoran Desert. A challenging yet rewarding Arizona hike.
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Cooler temps, ideal for hiking
Black Mountain Summit Trail
Best Time
Cooler temps, ideal for hiking
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Conquer the steep, rocky Black Mountain Summit Trail for breathtaking panoramic views of the Sonoran Desert. A challenging yet rewarding Arizona hike.
"This trail is one of the best trails you must do if you are in Cave Creek/Carefree area. I love the view from the top!"
💧 Bring Plenty of Water
Crucial for this steep desert hike, especially during warmer months. Stay hydrated!
👟 Sturdy Hiking Shoes
The trail is rocky and steep; good footwear is essential for grip and ankle support.
Quick Facts
Rating
4.3 · 3 reviews
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
Summit Panoramic Views
Black Mountain Summit
Breathtaking 360-degree views of Cave Creek, Carefree, and the surrounding desert landscape.
Steep Rocky Ascent
The Trail
A challenging yet rewarding climb with significant elevation gain, offering a great workout.
Desert Flora and Fauna
Along the Trail
Experience the unique beauty of the Sonoran Desert, with saguaros and desert wildlife.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Timing is Everything
Pack Smart for the Desert
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
💧 Bring Plenty of Water
Crucial for this steep desert hike, especially during warmer months. Stay hydrated!
👟 Sturdy Hiking Shoes
The trail is rocky and steep; good footwear is essential for grip and ankle support.
☀️ Avoid Midday Sun
Hike early morning or late afternoon to escape the intense desert heat.
🩹 Pack a Mini First-Aid Kit
Include tweezers for cactus spines and band-aids for minor scrapes.
Tips
from all over the internet
💧 Bring Plenty of Water
Crucial for this steep desert hike, especially during warmer months. Stay hydrated!
👟 Sturdy Hiking Shoes
The trail is rocky and steep; good footwear is essential for grip and ankle support.
☀️ Avoid Midday Sun
Hike early morning or late afternoon to escape the intense desert heat.
🩹 Pack a Mini First-Aid Kit
Include tweezers for cactus spines and band-aids for minor scrapes.
📸 Capture the Views
The summit offers incredible panoramic vistas, perfect for photos.
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Visitors rave about the stunning panoramic views from the summit of Black Mountain, calling it a must-do hike in the Cave Creek area. While challenging due to its steep, rocky terrain and potential heat, many find it achievable and rewarding, even with children. Some express concern about development encroaching on the natural landscape.
"This trail is one of the best trails you must do if you are in Cave Creek/Carefree area. I love the view from the top! I am not a pro hiker, so it was a little challenging for me due to the heat and quick elevation gain, but I was able to do it! We had our little ones (10, 8 and 6 years old)and they were able to do it without any issues. They had more fun than sitting and playing video games -yes, they said it! If this is your first time and you are not familiar with this kind of landscape, bring lots of water, a little tweezer, sanitizing wipes and band-aid (in case you step on or touch a cactus like we did). Black Mountain gains elevation quickly, so you can find yourself climbing up pretty fast. Bring lots of water though because it gets really hot in the summer months. You should be able to see other hikers going up or down with you time to time which is a good thing in case anything happens. I just wish that we could leave the mountain as itself without building multi million dollar homes where people buy and leave it vacant for many months. Some places should be left as is in my opinion."
Sevde Haner
"Went out at 4:30. Beautiful view. Steep climb."
Renee Brown
"Beauty of a hike."
Kellen
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
The trailhead is located in Cave Creek, Arizona. Access is typically via North 56th Street or Spur Cross Road. Parking can be limited, so arriving early is advised.
Public transportation options are very limited in this desert area. Driving your own vehicle or using a rideshare service is the most practical way to reach the trailhead.
Parking is available at the trailhead, but it can fill up quickly, especially on weekends and during peak hiking season. Consider carpooling if possible.
Yes, the Cave Creek area offers several other trails. Spur Cross Ranch Conservation Area is a popular nearby option with varied terrain and potential for creek crossings.
While not explicitly prohibited in many areas, it's best to check local regulations. Dogs can struggle with the heat and rocky terrain, and owners must always clean up after their pets.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
No, access to the Black Mountain Summit Trail is generally free. There are no admission fees required to hike the trail itself.
The trail is typically open from sunrise to sunset. It's advisable to start your hike well before sunset to ensure you have enough daylight for the descent.
Parking at the main trailhead is usually free. However, always check for any posted signs or local advisories, as fees can sometimes be introduced.
Hiking at night is not recommended due to the steep, rocky terrain and potential for disorientation. It's best to complete your hike before dark.
No reservations are needed for the Black Mountain Summit Trail. It's a public access trail, and you can visit anytime during its operating hours.
🎫 🧭 Onsite Experience
The hike can take anywhere from 1.5 to 3 hours round trip, depending on your fitness level and how long you spend at the summit. The elevation gain is significant.
This trail is considered moderate to strenuous due to its steep, rocky nature and significant elevation gain. It's a good workout!
Expect stunning panoramic views of the Sonoran Desert, including the towns of Cave Creek and Carefree, and the surrounding mountain ranges.
The trail is generally well-trodden and marked, but it's always a good idea to have a map or GPS device, especially if you're unfamiliar with the area.
Restroom facilities may be available at some trailheads in the Cave Creek area, but it's not guaranteed for all access points. It's best to use facilities before you arrive.
📸 📸 Photography
Early morning for sunrise and late afternoon for sunset offer the best light for photography, creating dramatic shadows and warm hues.
The summit itself provides the most expansive views. Also, look for interesting desert plants and rock formations along the trail for close-up shots.
A smartphone camera is perfectly adequate for capturing the views. If you're serious about landscape photography, a DSLR or mirrorless camera with a wide-angle lens would be ideal.
Generally, there are no restrictions on personal photography. However, commercial photography or drone usage may require permits, so check local regulations.
You can capture wide-angle vistas of the desert floor, close-ups of cacti and succulents, and dramatic shots of the rugged mountain terrain.
Social
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