Hiked the Ryan Hill Trail (#17) to a ridge that connects to Buck Peak. Trail #17 is not signed but is obvious and starts at the metal gate by FR-235B parking lot. Simply follow the old mining road which will eventually narrow to a trail. Once you reach the connecting ridge (33.9833N, 107.1448W), west of Buck Peak, bushwhack east for about one mile. Game trails offer help navigating through the brush covered route. There's a summit log in a jar at the base of the summit cairn.

Getting there: From US-60 take Water Canyon Road (FR-235) to FR-235B (virtual milemarker 7.8). FR-235B is signed but its difficult to see as its one of those brown fiberglass markers. There's also a large green sign next to the entrance noting four miles to the Magdalena Ridge Observatory. FR-235 is 3/10 mile long and a high clearance vehicle is necessary. Small parking lot with great view of Buck Peak.

Note: I did Peak 9174 in conjunction with this hike which made for a 10 mile hike with 3300 ft of elevation gain.