Mount Perkins - Black Mountains, AZ

Overview
Mount Perkins (elevation of 5,459' and prominence of 2,036') is the highpoint of the Black Mountains in northwest Arizona. Mount Perkins is off of Highway 93 between Kingman, AZ and Las Vegas, NV; the turn to the trailhead off of Highway 93 is a bit closer to Kingman than Las Vegas.


Hike
The parking area is at a saddle that overlooks the Colorado River. You'll see a radio facility a short distance to the west; the Mount Perkins summit is just past some communication towers you will see to the southeast.This hike is basically a class 1 walk-up, but there is no official trail to follow. The hike begins by following an easy-to-hike jeep road for about 750 feet. From there, you'll be off-trail the rest of the way to the summit, but it is an easy off-trail. In fact, you'll generally be able to follow a use trail the entire way. For the most part, you can see the aforementioned communication towers the entire way, which minimizes any route-finding issues.

There is one rock outcropping that you will have to go around, but it is not a problem. Once you get to the communication towers you have been aiming for; the summit is about 400-500 feet ahead of you. It is easily recognizable by a large summit cairn.

At the summit, you will have some nice 360 degree views. Off to the west is the Colorado River; to the north, you can see Lake Mead and Mount Wilson; and you'll see Mount Tipton to the east. After enjoying the nice views, return the way that you came to your vehicle.

Synopsis
This is a fun and scenic hike, but it is a bit out-of-the-way to get to. For many people, it will be hard to justify the drive for a 2.5-mile hike. In that case, you might want to combine this hike with another hike in the area. Mount Wilson and Mount Tipton are two good choices for the other hike.

2021-03-23 DixieFlyer