Distance

1.0 mi to summit

15.7 mi total

Elevation

7,206 ft start

Vertical

233 ft gain

Time

30 min to summit

1 hr 29 min total

Getting to the mountain is more of a challenge than the hike as this mountain is in a very remote area of Navajo Nation. The hike is not long nor especially challenging but does offer some scenic vistas with colorful rock formations. The summit is a knob on top of the mesa. There is benchmark although I forgot all about it so didn't look for it and it may have been covered by a small rock cairn and/or sand. Before proceeding best to have a detailed map that doesn't require cellphone reception as there is none. Getting there: from US-550 in Counselors, at virtual mile marker 97.4 turn south onto N474. There are no signs marking the road and depending on the map the road may be called N46, N471 or Counselors to Star Lake Rd. N474 is a wide, somewhat rough, dirt road that is well traveled. I was surprised by all the traffic in such a remote area, mostly passengers cars. Lots of side roads and intersections but stay on the wide road and you'll be fine. One major intersection to look out for is the N46 which continues south to Star Lake, you want to go SE on N474 instead. As you get closer to Deer Mesa you have a choice of roads to get you to the mesa. Look at my GPX track for the one I chose. Don't expect any road signs to help guide you. The only one I saw was on a new section of N474 which is where I turned off it onto a dirt road headed east.

Obstacles

road/access issues

Key gear

trekking poles, GPS device