Mason County Highpoint Trip Report
two areas on Monument Mountain Peak on Blue Mtn (2,160+ ft)
Date: March 16, 2003
Author: Scott Surgent
On FM-1871 just inside the west boundary of Mason County, we spied a private
road (gated) that appeared to go all the way to the highpoint but it entailed
2+ miles of walking each way on posted land, so we looked instead for a route from
the east, a minorly-promising network of roads that seemed to get close to the
HP areas. From FM-1871 we went east to James River Road, then south to Mill
Creek Road (as I recall, the signage didn't quite match the map information but
following the bends in the road got us there easy enough).
The map shows a poor-quality road leading in to Walnut Spring. We found this
road at an abandoned residence and followed the road in past one gate (no posted
notices, unlocked), parking at a second gate near a windmill. We hopped the
second gate and followed the road. We went left at a junction which turned out
to be a bad idea (go right). We found ourselves in thick brush atop the mesa
but in time found some tracks that led to roads that led to the HP, which we
scaled easily. The top is flattish and we walked its length. We sight-leveled
to the other area and saw a house on it. Furthermore, we could easily make out
the ground it sat on, suggesting it was lower than the similar 2,160-foot level
shown on the map.
On the hike out we followed the 'good' road back to the vehicle. About a year
later I got an e-mail from the landowners who read my report on my website.
They were friendly and liked having the HP on their property. They run a guest
ranch, so you may be able to get this HP easier than we did if you stay with them.
Their web page is here.