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 Reporter |
Summary: This is a no-nonsense elevation gainer. You start at 5200 feet and in a little over 3.5 miles gain 2600 feet to a final elevation at or near 7800 feet. Most of the early part of the trail is through oak, some scattered pine and chaparral. Views of the San Gabriels and the San Gorgonio Wilderness open up almost immediately. The real beauty comes, however, when you reach the high country and the alpine woods. From the fire lookout on top you are afforded a 360' view of Fuller Ridge, San Jacinto, the San Gabriels, San Gorgonio and all of Southern California in-between, albeit the view is interrupted by the lookout tower. Still, this is a fascinating mountain to climb. The best time to go is winter when Black Mountain Road is closed, so you can avoid people who have taken their cars to the top, and have the views all to yourself. If you do choose winter, watch out for shady icy sections of the trail. Some areas are very dangerous. Trailhead: Take the 10 East to Banning. Exit Highway 243, and follow the signs for the highway. About one-two miles past the Vista Grande Ranger Station, you will see a sign for Black Mountain trail. Turn left and follow the dirt road to a parking area. The trail is pretty easy to follow. In some places it is hard to discern when it follows a rocky wash or tops sandy boulders, just stop to look around and you'll find it. Black Mountain Road will take you right to the top in summertime, so the best time to make this trip is winter when the road is closed and icy. Even on a Saturday, you won't see many people. The clear winter skies are also a bonus. (Lat:33.82395 Lon:-116.75758) Trail Guides for Black Mountain: San Bernardino Mountain Trails - 100 Hikes in Southern California by John W. Robinson (Wilderness Press) Best Seasons: Fall, Spring, Winter, User Groups: Hikers, Dogs, Ranger Contact: San Bernardino National Forest (909)382-2922 Localhikes Reporter: This hike was submitted by Allen Riedel, who has posted 123 other hikes on this site. To visit this reporters web site, click here. Trail Reviews Submit your own review 
Reviewed by Jennifer on 10/30/2007 Due to extreme fire activity, and to protect public health and safety, San Bernardino National Forest officials are implementing a forest closure, effective October 23, 2007. The closure prohibits public entry to the forest, with few exceptions, and will last until the extreme conditions subside. The few exceptions to the closure allow access to the Serrano Campground, the Alpine Pedal Path and the Juniper Point Parking Area. Access to these sites is deemed safe, but visitors must remain vigilant and tend to current fire restrictions, including no smoking or no wood or charcoal fires. http://www.fs.fed.us/r5/sanbernardino/ for updates
Reviewed by CAHIKR on 1/1/2007 Awsome hike, great day. Hiked this on 12/30/06, 90% through the snow, but no icey spots. Views were spectacular. Saw four people the whole day. Would do this hike again.
Reviewed by JP on 9/19/2006 Hiked this one late summer, 9/17/06. Perfect weather, great views and an overall nice trail. Saw no one neither up nor back. Pretty good for a weekend. Would like to do it again in the late spring to see the wild flowers and some water in the streams. 
Reviewed by IRIE on 7/23/2006 hiked this yesterday july 22. Was hot out uper 80's to low 90's. didnt make it all the way to top but I assume I was close. only had 2 liters of water thinking we would come across some, but there was no water. Steep accent, great views. Nice trail, but i think the next time I come to this area will be for San Jacinto Peak. 
Reviewed by tinam on 6/9/2006 I did this hike in May 2004. Although it was 85 degrees out, there was a good deal of snow towards the top. Kind of strange hiking in shorts through the snow! Glad the boots were waterproof. At the top fire lookout we were greated by not only the incredible view, but quite a few gliders hovering around out of Hemet! Was an awesome site!
Reviewed by Redlands Chris on 6/18/2005 Lots of opportunities for great photos here. Just try to do the hike early so you can get shots of the San Gorgonio Pass before it fills with late afternoon smog. Out-of-this-world views of Banning, Cabazon, and across at the San Gorgonio wilderness area from lots of points on the trail. You don't get to see much of the San Jacinto massif unless you hike all the way to the fire tower. The first half of this hike is very steep if you're used to the usual Western-states gentle switchbacks. The trail eventually levels out in beautiful boulder-strewn flats, and a hanging valley lush with mountain vegetation and a stream. Hiked on 6/16/2005, and bugs (flies) were very pesky at lower elevations.
Reviewed by abs on 5/3/2004 great hike harder than one thinks. please bring bug spray. scramble to top if using trail not road...flowers unreal may3 2004 Notice: Traveling in the backcountry can be hazardous. You are responsible for informing yourself about these hazards and taking necessary precautions. Information on this web site comes from volunteer reporters and may contain errors or omissions. A current guidebook and proper equipment are essential for safe enjoyment of the hikes posted on this site. Keys: California Hiking, California Trails, California Hikes, Riverside County Hiking, Riverside County Trails, Riverside County Hikes | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||