The hike

Though I live in Silicon Valley and I hike the PG&E loop often in Rancho San Antonio, the Black Mountain is not something that I go on a whim. I guess it is due to the fact that I like to have some company on my hikes and not many of my friends look forward to this one. In all these years I had been there only four or five times. So early this year when there was enough interest in my running group to go on a run/hike, we all got set to tackle the PG&E loop which was the first for quite a few. But as we reached the pinnacle point of PG&E after a four-mile hike, from where the Quarry/Black Mountain trail branches out and climbs up for another two miles, some of them showed interest in summiting Black Mountain. Though I wasn't that prepared for it in terms of carrying enough food and snacks, I was all excited that someone brought it up and felt it was the best time to do it backed by the mild weather. The newbies to Black Mountain were all into it and was quite cheerful as we made the ascend at the same time taking in the beautiful views of the valley beneath us with clear views of NASA, the bridges, and many familiar landmarks of the area. We did good and in no time were at the summit all the while chatting away. We were so thrilled to see the communication towers on the top coming into clear view that seemed so far away when we started the hike three hours earlier. After taking some pictures at 2800ft elevation to add to our memories, we all headed down feeling quite accomplished.

Parking and difficulty level

Parking is a bit tight in Rancho San Antonio especially if going in a group for all to find parking. The best time to do Black Mountain is by getting an early start. We left at around 7:00 and took us about 5.5 hours to hike the 12miles out and back. The PG&E part of the trail is quite shaded and moderate whereas the climb to the summit could be a bit strenuous, especially the first stretch which is called the Quarry Trail. I find it helpful to use poles for the steep sections of the trail. You may need to carry extra water if going in the summer.

Rancho San Antonio Open Space Preserve

Though we took the PG&E trail to get to Black Mountain, there are many other interconnected trails to do the same like the one that goes through the farm and is mostly flat for about a couple of miles. This hike could be done year-round though it may get a little muddy after the rains. The preserve is in the heart of the valley and easily accessible from Hwy 280.