Black Velvet from the west (again!)

pics by Harlan W. S. & M. Ali H.
May 07, 2010

This hike uses a somewhat easier approach, both for the car and humans, compared to the normal eastern approaches. The starting elevation is higher, so it is more appropriate for warmer days; one can cache water before the sandstone. The hike hits the ridge about the same place as Branch Whitney’s traditional route up Black Velvet Canyon. The route on the ridge, with the memorable crux, was first discovered by Branch Whitney.

I’ve been this way before, and intended to offer an LVMC hike on this route; however, a kidney stone caused me to cancel that trip. Ali went with me to offer his opinions on the suitability for a group.

Most of the route (which totals 6.5 miles RT) is over pleasant, gentle, low-brush limestone ridges.	Potosi in back (to the S) near start.	View E of Black Velvet from Mountain Springs Peak.
Climbing up to the crux.	I found it ironic that “eco-balm” Was left in the crux.	Ali emerges from Sipapu.
Another tight crawl-through.	On the ridge to the highpoint.	View down valley shared by Windy Peak.
View N toward Monument, over Mount Rushmore.	View E. The highpoint of the sandstone ridge is at R, but the official Black Velvet Peak is at L.	Highpoint.
Ali downclimbs a nubbin just W of highpoint. This rock can be avoided by traversing S.	Now we head down to official peak.	View down to mouth of BV Canyon.
On BV Peak.
	Back past the highpoint.
Descending into Sipapu.
	Most of the limestone ridge has a good Herdpath.	On the way is a memorial to a fellow who died on Windy Peak.
The late Fred.