Distance

1.0 mi to summit

1.9 mi total

Elevation

6,800 ft start

Vertical

1,050 ft gain

Time

40 min to summit

1 hr 15 min total

This hike that starts at the end of forest road 354C offers some old ranch ruins and a hike through open country to a narrow rocky mesa with great views. I didn't realize it but my camera died enroute so the best part, the summit ridge, is left out. To get there: In the village of Magdalena turn north off US-60 onto N. Main St. A hundred yards later you will see a forest sign for FR-354 which is a good forest road, wide and well graded. Stay on it until you're almost due east of the mountain which is easily visible where you will encounter a sign for 354C (N34.3053, W107.2322). This sign is not easy to see since it's not facing the road so you have to keep a lookout. FR-354C is not maintained, its a mix of decent and rutted sections thus not suitable for passenger vehicles. At the end of the road is the ruins of a ranch house. No trail to Hells Mesa so its across open country starting with the hill behind the rock wall. The top of the mesa is only about 30 feet wide. On the hike up it appears as a pointed peak and once you're on the summit ridge it becomes apparent its a narrow rock outcrop that becomes a little wider as you near the summit. Some light scrambling may be required. A large rock with a smaller rock on top marks the HP. A baby jar and a baby pencil contains the summit log.

Obstacles

no info yet

Key gear

trekking poles, GPS device