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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 Page 1 of 3 Submit your own review 
Reviewed by Koger on 1/6/2010 So this hike is definitely a butt kicker. However, it's in very poor condition. I hiked up about a mile or two and lost the trail in a dead end surrounded by dead wood and brush after a gorgeous boulder field. This trail needs some better upkeep because it's definitely a beautiful hike, but it's easy to lose the trail. I didn't make it to the lookout, so that bummed me. I hope it gets tidied up.
Reviewed by Jeff Hovis on 10/27/2009 This hike reminds you of why you should stay in shape!Well worth the strenous hike for the great views all along the way.Hike & views made even better with the spectacular lunch my wife packed me.
Reviewed by Ron Shay on 10/27/2009 This was a very good hike , some parts are hard hiking on the path . but well worth it when you stop and look at the views high on the mountain side .then the end brings you into some of southern ca, big pines its like your in northern ca. will be doing it again soon.. 
Reviewed by Valle Docweiler on 8/11/2009 nice hike, scenery of the nearby mountains is pretty, a bit hazy even for early morning, photos came out washed out. as previously stated, the middle third is overgrown with manzanitas and ferns, a few fallen trees, but passable. This is August, finished 100 oz about an hour away from return to the parking lot. when you make it to the saddle, there is a fire road and closed gate for cars.
Reviewed by Shew on 7/15/2009 Hiked this trail today. There were no water sources on trail, so bring plenty! I didn't see anyone else either on the trail or at Boulder Basin campground at the top. The first third of trail is steep but in great shape. The last third of the trail has great views of the San Gorgonio Pass and is also in great shape. The middle third had sections that were overgrown and blocked by downed trees. It was too hot at the bottom to not wear shorts, but your legs will get a bit scratched up in the middle section. The fire lookout at the top was staffed by a couple volunteers. Views from the lookout were amazing.
Reviewed by The_O on 6/26/2009 Hiked on may 31st. Unique hike, especially since it bad been raining for about 2 weeks straight before the hike. Trail turned into a rocked filled stream. Still fun and kept me on my toes. Cloudy day, so no view from the top, however I can guess it has a great view of Lake George. Turbine on top was also cool.
Reviewed by emeline on 5/12/2009 I wish I had been more prepared for this hike! We didn't quite make it to the top, but here are my preparations for next time: 1. Exercise more the week before (only got the gym twice, so my quads are very sore) 2. Bring more water (my 2 liter hydro pack bladder was dry after 3 miles!) 3. Bring a dog to scope the trail. 4. Go in a cooler season (May 10th was too hot already!), although all the chaperral was in bloom! The Flora, Fauna and views on this hike are extremely rewarding, and there is enough shade to make good rest stops. Overall, an excellent adventure! 
Reviewed by David on 1/31/2009 Great hike - now is the time to do it! Clear air, nice temperatures, no one on the trails. There are a few tough spots, but remember that if the trail seems unclear there's probably just a fallen log blocking your way, so climb over it and you'll probably see the trail. After the fire road the last stretch to the top is tricky in the snow but you can basically just scramble over the boulders to get there. Fun hike, but be careful! 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 | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||