I set out to try a ridge link up between Black Mountain and Mount McKnight. When I reached Jewel lake it became apparent I had missed my window for this route. A few inches of wind-hardened snow covered the north facing slopes and ridges. Expecting a longer day I had tried to make good time on the approach trail to Jewel lake, so I figured setting a baseline for the Black Mountain FKT would be a good plan B. Despite the slow going in the snow covered boulders and taking the wrong drainage on the way out, I think this is a decent time for someone to destroy.
The trail to the lakes is steep and extremely rocky. This makes for a very heads up descent. There is plenty of water throughout the route, beside the ridge section. The trail fades in and out after Jewel lake. Sticking to the runners right side of the basin on the way up will avoid a large section of boulder hopping. Make sure your following the same creek on the way down or you will get cliffed out like I did and have to scramble back to the correct drainage. This is a classic peak in Paradise Valley and I'm excited to see how fast someone can tag it!