Lots of snow driving over chews ridge in the morning. Started at tassajara hot springs (currently closed). Followed tony trail over pass and down into Willow Creek Drainage. Followed the Marble Peak trail until the southern ridge of Black Cone. Followed the south ridge through waist high brush all the way to the summit. I stopped counting after my 10th tick, but probably got over 50 on the day. None succeeded in finding my skin. An old rusted tool and a lone flag indicate a trail may have led to the summit, but this was probably abandoned decades ago. Summit register left by Bob Burd had burned in the fire. Very strenuous but doable. Lots of mountain lion sign. 16 miles from start of Tony trail, 19 miles from where I started. 9.5 hours including 30 minute test on summit.