Black Bull Peak

Embark on the Dangerous Park Trail to Black Bull Peak for a true New Mexico wilderness experience. This hike starts with gentle ascents through rolling hills and sparse trees, but don't let the initial ease fool you. Beyond Dangerous Park, the path becomes less defined, leading you through lumpy ridgelines and scraggly forest, often requiring careful route-finding. The reward is the challenging final push to Black Bull Peak, where you'll encounter boulder-hopping and a Class 4 scramble to the summit block, offering unique views of the surrounding hills and Saddle Mountain.

Planning your visit means preparing for a remote and demanding outing. The trailhead is conveniently located past a corral at Pueblo Park Campground. Given the trail's variable quality and the technical nature of the final ascent, it's wise to start early, carry plenty of water, and ensure you have experience with off-trail navigation and scrambling. This isn't a casual stroll; it's an advanced route for those ready for a proper adventure.

What makes this trail stand out is its blend of solitude and technical challenge, providing access to a seldom-visited peak in an isolated part of Catron County. The significant change in trail quality, from well-maintained to degraded, adds to its unique character, as does the intriguing mystery behind the name "Dangerous Park." It's a fantastic option for hikers seeking advanced routes near Black Bull Peak and a sense of accomplishment from conquering a technical summit.

The Flying T Spring Trail offers a moderate hike through the diverse landscapes of the Apache-Sitgreaves National Forests. As you traverse this 6.5-mile (10.4 km) route, expect to encounter a mix of ponderosa pine stands, juniper, and Gambel oak, creating a varied forest atmosphere. You'll gain 1688 feet (515 metres) in elevation over approximately 3 hours and 29 minutes, making it a good workout. The trail winds through valleys and over ridges, providing a sense of the region's varied terrain.

This multi-use path is suitable for hiking, horse riding, and mountain biking, so you might share the trail with others. Be aware that many trails in the Glenwood Ranger District, including Flying T Spring Trail, were impacted by the 2012 Whitewater-Baldy Complex Fire. This means you could encounter challenging conditions such as fallen trees, trail washouts, or heavy brush. Always exercise caution and be prepared for these potential obstacles when planning your visit.

The surrounding area of the Flying T Spring Trail offers expansive views of high cool mountains and open vistas from canyons. While on the route, you'll experience the characteristic vegetation of the Gila National Forest. Black Bull Peak stands out as a prominent summit nearby, hinting at the dramatic geology of the Arizona Mountains Forests. This trail provides a solid introduction to the region's unique blend of forest and mountain environments.

Hike the difficult Aspen Mountain Trail for 10.7 miles, gaining 1921 feet, with the option to take the gondola down.