The Black Hills extend along a northwest - southeast axis in northern Yavapai County, hemming in the Verde Valley and the cities of Camp Verde, Cottonwood and Clarkdale. Most people are 'familiar' with this range when driving along Interstate-17 between Phoenix and Flagstaff. This is where the highway makes its long steep descent into the Verde Valley, if traveling northbound. Woodchute Mountain is the highpoint, situated like a prow of a ship at the far northwestern tip of the range. The historic mining town of Jerome is located along its flanks. The immediate area between Woodchute Mountain and Mingus Mountain is a popular camping and recreation area with hiking trails, horse routes, camping and exploring. On a geekier level, this peak is #27 on the prominence list for Arizona, having almost 3,000 feet of prominence. But the actual hike requires much less effort, although it's still a nice good workout.

My folks were in Cottonwood/Sedona celebrating 40 years of wedded bliss and I had the day open so I decided to drive up and hike the peak, then visit with my parents and get a nice lunch. I left Chandler before 7 a.m. and made the 130-mile drive through Cottonwood and Jerome (following, in order, I-17, AZ-260 and US-89A) in a little over 2 hours. At the pass on 89A, I went north a short bit to the parking area near the Potato Patch campground, parked and started in past a gate. A half-mile later I came to a second parking area where a few cars were parked, at the actual trailhead. I was not aware vehicles were allowed past the first gate (it was unlocked), but no signs said you couldn't... but it was silly for me to walk back out and drive back in, so I continued on. The trail begins at the second parking area. From here it's about 2.5 miles one-way to the top. The trail generally stays level and drops a bit for the first 1.5 miles, with great views of Humphreys Peak along the way. I had good weather and some stiff breezes. The flora was a mix of ponderosa, juniper, grass, and scrubbier brush.

The trail reaches a low spot at a drainage then starts a mile-long ascent of about 700 feet to the broad summit plateau. The gradient was easy but the route was covered in fist-sized rounded rocks which made for many a turned ankle - I wore running shoes and probably should have worn hiking boots. There was a group ahead of me. When I reached the top I left the trail and started cross-country about 1/3 to 1/2 mile generally west through the open forest and low grasses (and rocks) to the summit. The trail doesn't go to the very top, but instead continues north to some lookouts and the steeply down the mountain on the north flank. I found the broad, indistinct summit after about 10 minutes. Navigation was easy - just go up. The top is very broad and I spent a few minutes walking the area to find the top rocks. I found a cairn and register at a point that to me was clearly not the summit. The register had just 5 names in it from 2000, and none since September 2002! Even the register booklet said 'the summit's around here somewhere'. I took a break for a snack.

After about 15 minutes I started the hike out, and all went very easy. I found the trail and walked back out in increasing cloudiness. The round trip took about 3 hours exactly. I found my folks' hotel in Cottonwood and we had a nice lunch at a nearby Mexican restaurant. Well, my mom didn't - she got a touch of poisoning. But she's fine, I'm fine, it rained, my dad's fine and they're now working on their second 40 years together!