Backpacking Black Mountain

Give up? Well it's the 2800 foot Black Mountain located in our backyard. Black Mountain is the highest peak on the mid-peninsula located just off of Page Mill Road above Palo Alto and Los Altos Hills.
Outing: We had two outings in one on this trip. A group of High Venture scouts headed down towards Black Mountain from Summit Road (Highway 35.) This was a rugged hike that challenged the older scouts as they made their way down to the campsite at Black Mountain. They traveled down Skid Road Trail (.4mi) to White Oak Trail, heading south and then to Stevens Creek Nature Trail. Heading west to Canyon Trail, then head southeast for .2 miles to the junction with Indian Creek Trail and then ENE for about a mile to the campsite.

For the other scouts, we started from the trailhead at the Monte Bello Preserve parking lot off of Page Mill Road. The parking lot closes 30 minutes after sunset. From the parking lot, take the Canyon trail (.5 miles) until it meets Bella Vista Trail. Hike Bella Vista (.8 miles) and then take Old Ranch Trail until your reach Black Mountain campsite (.5 miles.)

Along the hike, we saw a tarantula, gray coyote and numerous birds. There are mountain lions in the area so remember to buddy up!

The entire troop hiked back together taking the Black Mountain Trail heading north towards Los Altos. The trailhead ends near Foothill College and we met our drivers by the youth hostel at Hidden Villa. The high venture group continued their backpack trip to Rancho San Antonio County park.

Black Mountain Backpack Camp

The Black Mountain backpack camp provides visitors with a camping site just one half-hour away by car from the cities below. It is the only site on District lands where visitors can spend the night under the stars. Six campsites are available to the public for one or two overnight stays throughout the year. Visitors must obtain a permit in advance from the District office. The camp is a 1.8-mile hike from Page Mill Road, including a 500-foot uphill climb from the parking lot. Chemical toilets and water for washing are provided. Campers must carry in their own drinking water or bring a filter to treat the water available at the camp. Campfires are prohibited. Please call the District office for more information or to obtain a permit. . District office at (650) 691-1200, regular business hours. When are use permits required? A group activity on District land requires a permit when the event: is advertised or noticed in any publication, poster, electronic media, or flyer; and requests or requires a fee be paid for participation; or may be attended by 20 or more people.

Detailed Map:http://www.openspace.org/preserves/pr_monte_bello.asp