The names in the area can be a little bit confusing, with a Black Mesa, Black Mountain and Black Top Mesa all within sight on this hike.
Black Top Mesa is aptly named however, with its little crown of boulders covered in desert varnish.
I hiked the Dutchman Trail from First Water, then the Bull Pass Trail to Bull Pass and took the use trail all the way to the top. This spur was a nice surprise as I was expecting cross country travel. Enjoyed the terrific view of Weavers Needle and the basin below, as well as the sunburst petroglyph.
Came back on the Black Mesa Trail for a nice loop.
Water was flowing nicely in a lot of the washes.