Black Mountain Trail 2E35

Great hike!! Bring big spray or you won't enjoy.

Ok being from Ohio this was my 3rd hiking experience in California. Definitely underestimated this. This is not a beginner trail. Elevation starts at 5,000 feet so you need to be ready for that. It's a decent upgrade like 10% . The trail is sand so not terrible but it kicked my butt. Bring lots of water and take your time if you're tired.

Epic. Beautiful trail that winds up Black Mountain, through chaparral, and into ponderosa pine, with giant beautiful granite boulders throughout. Trail is well kept, and offers gorgeous views to the southwest and north/northwest (looking across at the continuation of the San Bernardino mtns where Big Bear is). Trail is steep, sandy, and rocky in parts- bring poles! Though there were only 6 other people on the trail when I was there, I saw dog poop that wasnt picked up (and no, it wasnt coyote, bobcat, or bear poop- i saw that too), and a plastic water bottle tossed in the bushes- PLEASE pick up after yourselves if you go hiking; practice leave no trace. Otherwise, this trail was stellar. Theres parking at the trailhead, up a short dirt road off the 243.

Awesome trail. Hiked up to the lookout at the top of the mountain. Amazing view. Ran in to a group of "Free climbers" on the way down. I'm thinking their "crash pads" need to be thicker!

Challenging and strenuous hike. Trail is poorly maintained after heavy winter rains, but passable. Because Hwy 243 is closed (June 2019), you have to park on the side of the road and walk about a half mile one way to the trailhead.