Distance

0.3 mi to summit

0.5 mi total

Elevation

5,925 ft start

Vertical

350 ft gain

Time

10 min to summit

20 min total

Hike started at the saddle between Monument Hill and Peak 6477. A ranch road provides access to the saddle starting next to a stock pond, labeled on the map as "Pothole Tank". A road is shown on maps going by Pothole Tank. That road starts at the junction of FR-086 and FR-990 which occurs at a sharp bend in FR-086 just before is descends into Red Canyon. While FR-086 is shown on maps, FR-990 is not, but there is a brown fiberglass marker next to a ranch stick gate that is marked as 990, with only the "0" is visible. To get to this point exit I-25 at exit 115 (Magdalena, NM-107) and go west for 15 miles to a signed FR-478. FR-478 is also marked with a large brown wooden sign for the Tigner Cattle Company. As you head south on FR-478 it will split with 478 going west and FR-086 going south. Simply stay on 086 until you reach the junction with 990. You will know you've gone too far if you start descending into Red Canyon. The hike up Monument Hill from the saddle is short. Since this is cattle country, cattle everywhere. I had a herd chasing my vehicle thinking I was a rancher delivering food. Note: Monument Hill is fairly close to NM-107 so its possible to cut across the open meadow to the mountain however you would be crossing private property enroute. While FR-086 is graded it does have some rough spots. FR-990 is not graded nor is the ranch road so a high clearance vehicle is advised.

Obstacles

no info yet

Key gear

trekking poles