United States

Black Mountain (Pima County, Arizona)

Hohokam fortification on a lava-capped mesa, Arizona

Location

Explore the Map

Historical Context

About

Black Mountain is a lava capped mesa in Pima County, Arizona, that rises 1,000 feet above its base to an altitude of 3,700 feet (1,128 m). It is a northeast trending ridge, 5,600 feet in length, located along Mission Road nine miles southwest of Tucson. It is on the San Xavier Indian Reservation, 3.18 miles southwest of the Mission San Xavier del Bac. The Sierrita Mountains rise to the southwest and the Santa Cruz River is about four miles to the east. On top of Black Mountain are the ruins of an ancient Hohokam fortification. Long stone walls, circular stone rings, petroglyphs, man-made trails, and pottery sherds can still be seen today. However, the site is on reservation land, and is therefore not open to the general public.

Paleolithic
Mesolithic
Neolithic
Chalcolithic
Bronze Age
Iron Age
Classical Period
Post-Classical Period
Early Modern Period
Industrial Period
Contemporary Period
Classification

Archaeological Features

Unique architectural and cultural elements found at this historical site

category

Defensive Structures

Defensive WallsFortresses
category

Miscellaneous Features

Stone ringsPottery sherds
category

Artistic and Decorative Features

Petroglyphs
category

Transportation and Communication Structures

Paths
Knowledge Base

Frequently Asked Questions

Explore

Plan Your Visit

Tours, travel arrangements, and practical information

Reference

Details

Country

United States

Coordinates

32.09° N, -111.06° E