- Summary: This is a hike of the Black Mountain Trail, which spans 9.4 miles out and back to the very top of the Black Mountain. This is a mostly easy hike; however the final mile to the top of the mountain is relatively steep and strenuous.
- Location: This is a hike of the Black Mountain Trail, which is located in the Open Space Preserve in Rancho San Antonio as part of Santa Clara County and the Open Space District of the Midpeninsula region.
- Distance: The entire distance for this walk is 9.4 miles out and back.
- Category and Difficulty: This is a relatively strenuous out-and-back hike that spans 9.4 miles and covers more than 2,300 feet worth of change in elevation. The elevation of the trailhead is approximately 500 feet, and the elevation of the peak of the mountain is approximately 2,810 feet. The first few miles of the trail are easy, but the 1.2 mile distance is much more grueling as you climb to the summit of the mountain.
- Exposure: This trail is mostly exposed from beginning to end and back again, with only a few pockets of shade along the way.
- Traffic: The traffic on this trail is generally pretty light.
- Trail Surface: Most of the trails here are dirt trails and dirt fire roads.
- Walk Time: The average walk time for this particular trail is approximately 5 hours.
- Season: This is not an ideal trail for the summer months, so choose a cooler day instead.
- Trailhead Coordinates: This trailhead can be found at 37°21'1.40"N Latitude and 122° 8'5.30"W Longitude.
Amenities: There are no nearby facilities in the vicinity of the trailhead, but you can find restaurants, stores and payphones and gas a few miles to the south or north from the trailhead off of the 280. No camping is provided at this trailhead.
Rules: The park is open from sunrise until a half hour after sunset. Most of the trails are designated as being for equestrians and hikers only. There are a few trails that are open only to hikers and cyclists in the park's eastern section. Dogs are not permitted anywhere within the preserve or around the trailhead.
Fees: There is no entrance or parking fees for this trailhead.
Map: A good map for getting to this region is the AAA San Francisco Bay Region map.
Accommodations: There is parking for approximately 12 cars at the trailhead but none on Rhus Ridge Road. There are no drinking water accommodations or toilet facilities here. Trails here are poorly suited for wheelchairs and there is no handicapped parking.
Public Transportation: No, there is no direct public transportation raveling to the trailhead. You should know however that the VTA buses #52 and #23 from Santa Clara County do service the Foothill College, which is approximately 1 mile from the actual trailhead.
Photo Credits: Eric Harmatz
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