Black Mountain

Black Mountain is a summit in Pima County, Arizona, with a northeast ridge extending roughly a mile in length and rising about 1,000 feet above its base to reach an elevation around 3,700 feet. The peak features steep terrain with distinctive rock exposures and a clear ridge structure visible from surrounding areas.

The mountain contains ancient Hohokam fortifications at its summit, including stone walls and circular structures dating to pre-Columbian times. These remains provide evidence of indigenous settlement and construction activities in the region long before European contact.

The mountain lies within the San Xavier Indian Reservation near Mission San Xavier del Bac, marking a place of long-standing importance to Native American communities in the region. Visitors who gain access can observe how the landscape itself holds meaning for the people who live there.

The mountain sits within reservation land and requires specific permissions for access, as it contains protected archaeological artifacts and cultural resources. Interested visitors should make inquiries beforehand to understand current access regulations and requirements.

The geological structure combines two distinct rock formations: metamorphic phyllite and argillite on the west side and Camelback Granite on the east. This contrast in rock composition is visible to anyone walking around the peak and comparing the different stone types on each side.