How To Get To Blackrock Mountain

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The scorching winds whip across the desolate landscape, the air thick with the smell of sulfur and ancient magic. In the distance, a colossal, jagged peak pierces the sky, glowing with an ominous, fiery aura. This, my friends, is Blackrock Mountain, a legendary fortress of fire and shadow, home to some of World of Warcraft's most iconic and challenging dungeons and raids.

Whether you're a seasoned veteran seeking nostalgic thrills or a new adventurer daring to delve into its fiery depths, getting to Blackrock Mountain is an essential pilgrimage. But it's not always a straightforward path. Fear not, brave hero! This comprehensive guide will illuminate your way, step by step, to the very heart of this volcanic behemoth.

Step 1: Where in Azeroth Are You Starting From?

Before we embark on our journey, let's figure out your current location! Are you currently chilling in the majestic halls of Stormwind City, exploring the frosty peaks of Ironforge, or perhaps lurking in the shadowy alleys of Orgrimmar? Knowing your starting point will help us determine the most efficient route.

Think about it for a moment. Where did you last set your hearthstone? Are you near a flight master? The path to Blackrock Mountain varies slightly depending on your faction and current whereabouts, but the ultimate destination remains the same: the Searing Gorge or the Burning Steppes.

Step 2: Journeying to the Volcanic Threshold

Blackrock Mountain is strategically located at the intersection of two harsh, fire-blasted zones: the Searing Gorge to the north and the Burning Steppes to the south. Both offer access, but how you get to them differs for Alliance and Horde.

Sub-heading 2.1: Alliance Routes to the Blasted Lands

If you hail from the Alliance, you have a few primary ways to reach the fiery lands surrounding Blackrock Mountain:

From Stormwind City (Most Common):
- The Deeprun Tram: This is often the most convenient and iconic method. Head to the Dwarf District in Stormwind and locate the entrance to the Deeprun Tram. It's a quick, scenic (and free!) ride directly to Ironforge.
- From Ironforge: Once in Ironforge, exit through the main gates and head southeast through Loch Modan. Continue south through the Badlands, and then finally head west into the Searing Gorge. This is a longer ground trip but straightforward.
- Flight Path: If you've already discovered the flight paths, simply fly from Stormwind (or Ironforge) directly to Morgan's Vigil in the Burning Steppes or Thorium Point in the Searing Gorge. This is by far the quickest option if available.
From Wetlands/Menethil Harbor: If you find yourself in the Wetlands, you can travel east to Loch Modan, then proceed as described above through the Badlands to the Searing Gorge.

Sub-heading 2.2: Horde Routes to the Scorched Earth

For our brave Horde compatriots, reaching Blackrock Mountain usually involves a journey through some equally desolate territories:

From Orgrimmar (Most Common):
- Zeppelin to Grom'gol (Stranglethorn Vale): From Orgrimmar, take the zeppelin to Grom'gol Base Camp in Stranglethorn Vale.
- Travel North through Duskwood and Redridge Mountains: From Grom'gol, ride north through Stranglethorn Vale, past the Gurubashi Arena, into Duskwood. Continue through Duskwood and then into the Redridge Mountains.
- Into the Burning Steppes: From Redridge Mountains, you'll find a path leading directly into the Burning Steppes. Once there, follow the main road towards the colossal mountain.
- Flight Path: If you've already discovered them, fly from Orgrimmar (or Undercity) to Flame Crest in the Burning Steppes. This is the fastest way if you have the flight point.
From Undercity/Silverpine Forest: Travel south through Silverpine Forest, then through the Hillsbrad Foothills, Arathi Highlands, Wetlands, Loch Modan, Badlands, and finally into either the Searing Gorge or Burning Steppes. This is a very long ground route, often avoided unless for specific questing.

Step 3: Entering the Heart of the Mountain

Once you've reached either the Searing Gorge or the Burning Steppes, you'll immediately spot Blackrock Mountain towering over the landscape. It's impossible to miss! The mountain itself is a massive, multi-tiered hub of activity, housing various dungeons and raids.

Identifying the Main Entrance: There are two primary ground entrances into Blackrock Mountain:
- From the Searing Gorge: Head to the south-central part of the zone. You'll see a large, fiery entrance built into the mountain.
- From the Burning Steppes: Head to the north-western part of the zone. Similarly, a grand, ominous entrance will greet you.
Navigating Inside: Once inside Blackrock Mountain, the interior is a complex network of pathways, chains, bridges, and lava flows. It can be a bit of a maze, especially on your first few visits. You'll want to pay close attention to your map and the surrounding environment.
- Central Cavern: The main entry points from both the Searing Gorge and Burning Steppes lead into a massive central cavern. From here, you can see various ledges, chains, and tunnels branching off.
- Chains and Platforms: To reach higher levels and specific instance entrances, you'll often need to navigate across chains suspended over the lava or carefully jump between platforms. Be mindful of fall damage!

Step 4: Locating Specific Instance Entrances within Blackrock Mountain

Blackrock Mountain is home to several iconic instances, each with its own entrance. Here's how to find the most common ones:

Sub-heading 4.1: Blackrock Depths (BRD)

Blackrock Depths is a massive, sprawling dungeon, infamous for its length and complexity.

Location: The main entrance to Blackrock Depths is located on the lower level of the central cavern of Blackrock Mountain.
Finding It: Once inside Blackrock Mountain, head towards the lowest levels. You'll see a large, ornate dwarven gate that serves as the entrance to BRD.

Sub-heading 4.2: Lower Blackrock Spire (LBRS) & Upper Blackrock Spire (UBRS)

Blackrock Spire is divided into two distinct parts: Lower and Upper.

Location (LBRS): The entrance to Lower Blackrock Spire is typically found on the middle level of Blackrock Mountain.
Finding It: From the central cavern, look for chains or ramps that lead upwards to a higher ledge. Follow this ledge, and you'll find the entrance to LBRS.
Location (UBRS): Upper Blackrock Spire's entrance is within Lower Blackrock Spire.
Attunement for UBRS: Originally, accessing UBRS required an attunement questline called "Seal of Ascension." This involved collecting several pieces within LBRS and completing a quest in Dustwallow Marsh. While this attunement is often no longer mandatory in later expansions for general access, it's worth noting for Classic players or those seeking the full lore experience. The entrance to UBRS is a locked door within LBRS, which only opens if you possess (and sometimes equip) the "Seal of Ascension" or if your group leader has it.

Sub-heading 4.3: Molten Core (MC)

Molten Core is one of the original 40-man raids in World of Warcraft, the fiery lair of Ragnaros the Firelord.

Location: Molten Core is also accessed from within Blackrock Depths.
Attunement for MC: Originally, accessing Molten Core required completing the "Attunement to the Core" quest. This involved entering Blackrock Depths, finding a "Core Fragment" near the actual raid portal, and then turning it in to Lothos Riftwaker, an NPC located just outside the BRD entrance within Blackrock Mountain.
Finding It: To get to the Molten Core entrance, you'll need to venture deep into Blackrock Depths. Look for a section of the dungeon that features a large, molten bridge. The swirling green raid portal to Molten Core is located just beyond this bridge.

Sub-heading 4.4: Blackwing Lair (BWL)

Blackwing Lair is another iconic 40-man raid, home to Nefarian and the black dragonflight.

Location: Blackwing Lair is located at the very top of Blackrock Spire.
Attunement for BWL: Originally, accessing Blackwing Lair also required an attunement quest, "Blackhand's Command." This quest began with looting a "Blackhand's Command" item from a Scarshield Quartermaster located just outside the UBRS entrance within Blackrock Mountain. The quest then sent you into Upper Blackrock Spire to interact with an Orb of Command behind General Drakkisath's throne.
Finding It: From the entrance to Upper Blackrock Spire (assuming you have access), proceed through the instance. The entrance to Blackwing Lair is usually found after defeating the final boss of UBRS, General Drakkisath. There's often an orb or a specific path that teleports you directly into BWL.

Step 5: A Few Helpful Tips for Your Blackrock Mountain Adventure

Group Up: Many of the instances within Blackrock Mountain are designed for groups, especially at their intended level. While some can be soloed at higher levels, a group makes the experience much smoother and more enjoyable.
Repair Often: These zones are tough! Make sure your gear is in good condition, and repair regularly.
Bring Supplies: Potions, food, and bandages will be your best friends.
Watch Your Step: The environment of Blackrock Mountain is treacherous. Falls into lava are common and often fatal.
Mind the Mobs: The Blackrock Orcs, Dark Iron Dwarves, and various elementals and dragons within the mountain are not to be trifled with. Pull carefully!
Enjoy the Lore: Blackrock Mountain is steeped in rich Warcraft lore, from the Dark Iron Dwarves who accidentally summoned Ragnaros to the machinations of Nefarian. Take a moment to appreciate the story as you battle your way through.

Congratulations, adventurer! You are now fully equipped to navigate the fiery depths of Blackrock Mountain. May your loot be plentiful and your deaths few!