Hikes/United States/California/San Bernardino National Forest

Black Mountain Lookout Hike

Difficulty
This reflects the 10Adventures difficulty rating for each route. We aim to keep ratings consistent across regions.
Easy
Duration
This reflects the estimated time the majority of users will take on this trail. If you are slower, add time to the top-end figure. If you are fast, then you may complete this route faster than this time range.
0.5-1h
Distance
This reflects the return distance of this route as measured by the GPS file.
2.1 km
Elevation
This reflects the total elevation gained throughout this route as measured by the GPS file. This includes all ascents and descents, and is higher than what is quoted in most route guides, which simply measure the distance between the starting-point and high-point of the route.
97 m
User Ratings
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The Black Mountain Lookout Hike is a quick and easy adventure in the San Bernardino National Forest that will take you up to a summit viewpoint for a gorgeous sightline across the surrounding terrain, While out on the trail, you will work your way uphill along a forest road, gaining a small amount of elevation before arriving at a lookout tower that, when open, provides sweeping views of the Southern California landscape. Hikers should take note that the road leading into the trailhead isd quite rough and rugged and will require a high clearance vehicle to safely traverse.

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Route Description for Black Mountain Lookout Hike

Whether you are already hiking in the area or are spending a few nights camping in the Boulder Basin Campground, the Black Mountain Lookout Hike is a fantastic trail with scenic views that can easily be tacked on to your existing adventure plans.

Setting out from the campground, you will follow the forest service road as it heads south and cuts through the dense forest terrain. Here, you will work your way further uphill and follow the road as it bends to the northwest on the way to the top of the peak.

After arriving at the summit of Black Mountain, you will find a lookout tower that might be closed. If it is open, you can climb up and experience the wonderful views of the rugged mountains and sprawling forests surrounding you, before heading back downhill to the campground where you began your adventure.

Getting to the Black Mountain Lookout Hike Trailhead

The trailhead for the Black Mountain Lookout Hike can be found at the Boulder Basin Campground along the Black Mountain Truck Trail.

Route Information

  • Backcountry Campground

    Boulder Basin Campground

  • When to do

    Year-Round

  • Pets allowed

    Yes - On Leash

  • Family friendly

    Yes

  • Route Signage

    Average

  • Crowd Levels

    Moderate

  • Route Type

    Out and back

Black Mountain Lookout Hike Elevation Graph

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