Black Mountain
- Day hike up to Black Mountain.
TIPS
- There are several not well marked trails leading out from the parking lot towards Black Mountain. If you are not yet confident with your trail following skills, take some extra time to look at a map. Most of them all funnel to the same place, a nice broad road that follows along the marshy creek.
- Bring lots of water! Typically I bring two liters in my Camelbak.
- Wear comfortable trail shoes (like tennis shoes/ sneakers). Trails are very soft and well maintained.
- If you start in the morning, bring layers. It can be chilly and foggy to start and then burn off into very warm sun.
- Be prepared for some steep climbs from the parking lot up to the ridge without much shade. There are great views and places to rest.
- The trails are multi-use, so be prepared to share with mountain bikes.
I had done this hike before and wanted to explore additional single track routes and loops to the top.
THE HIKE
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| Bay view with Mt Diablo in far distance |
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| View of the eastern ridge and Stevens Creek canyon |
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| Making my way to the summit |
Highlights
- Early start and long, winding drive up Page Mill Road to the Monte Bello parking lot.
- I saw a coyote! It was alone and on the hillside just before the summit area. He caught wind of me and moved out of sight.
- Another large group arrived at the parking lot when I did. Most people headed to different trails. Saw a few bikers on the trail and another couple of groups at the summit.
- Pretty cold! Glad I brought layers.
RECAP
- Location: Black Mountain, Monte Bello Open Space Preserve.
- Date: December 2021.
- Stats: 5.4 total mileage with 1,100+ ft elevation gain
- Why I chose this trip:
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Route map
Gaia GPS | © Mapbox | © OpenStreetMap Contributors |
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Very nice hike!
