W6/CT-271 – Burn Benchmark

I’ve overlooked this summit for years because it was rarely activated and only worth two points. I got skunked twice on two earlier SOTA attempts due to closed roads. Frustrated, I pulled over to the side of the road and found the closest summit to me. That was Burn Benchmark. After some quick research, I headed into the OHV area, parked where other vehicles were parked and headed down the well used trail. I did not see any no trespassing signs anywhere along my route. The hike was mostly enjoyable, however it was very windy. About 2/3rds of the way there you see a very steep mountain; a small makeshift sign read “Hell Hill”. I’m assuming a dirt biker put it there as, there was evidence of dirt bikes in the area. As a guy who rides, I have no idea how you could wrangle a bike up something like this. Perhaps they went down? Their efforts left permanent scars on the hillside. Bummer.

https://sotl.as/summits/W6/CT-271

Total distance: 3.62 mi
Max elevation: 3074 ft
Total climbing: 1048 ft
Download file: BurnBenchmark.gpx

Date:04/04/2025 |  Summit:W6/CT-271 (Burn Benchmark)

TimeCallsignBandModeNotes
20:14KT5X14MHzCWS58N R22N
20:17AJ6KZ14MHzCWS2S W6/CT-116 S599 R53N
20:19WW7D14MHzCWS2S W7W/KG-137 S33N R41N
20:20K6HPX14MHzCWS58N R53N
20:21W0KDM14MHzCWS56N R33N
20:22N0RZ14MHzCWS44N R55N
20:23N6ET14MHzCWS55N R53N
At the gate, park here.
Old road
First good view of Burn Benchmark
Gets steep here
“Hell Hill” lower sign.
At the top
Benchmark
Upper “Hell Hill” sign