Black Mountain – A Hike With Two Parts

This hike could best be described as “A Tale Of Two Parts”.

The first part of the hike (~ 4 miles each way) starts at the parking lots and follows the Stephen E. Abbors Trail (aka PG&E Trail).  This is basically a dirt, gravel fire road.  It felt like a roller coaster with portions where you gain elevation and then areas where you lose it only to regain it.  There were numerous hikers out on this part of the trail … and even some deer (and one chipmunk).

The second part of the hike (~ 2 miles each way) starts with the junction with the Quarry Trail and continues up to the summit.  This is a dirt single track trail. There are parts that have grades of 25% according to AllTrails and I believe it.  I was very happy to have my trekking poles (especially on the steep downhill stretches).   I saw no other hikers on this upper part of the hike even though there were many on the lower 4 mile section.

At the summit finding the geologic survey medallion was tricky.  There are numerous rocks scattered around on both the east and west side of the road at the top.  I think I looked at all of the rocks before finding the marker.  The medallion is located to the west side of the road on one of the rocks with a flat top.

The hike back down is was notable for the steep sections up top and the uphill parts of the “roller coaster” lower down both of which made me happy to have the poles.

Take more water than you anticipate needing – it gets hot and exposed in areas.