Recent snow and rain have caused many trails to be temporarily closed. Please check with the local agencies for the most up-to-date information.

4S01 - Black Mountain

4.3/5 (19 reviews)
Idyllwild-Pine Cove, California (Riverside County)
Last Updated: 07/28/2018

Trail Information

Highlights

4S01 Black Mountain is the highest offroad trail, at 7,665 feet, in the San Jacinto Mountains, which is in the San Bernardino National Forest near Idyllwild. Because of its 2,300 foot elevation change over the 12 mile route you will experience a wide range of scenery from the lower scrub and manzanita to the pine, oak and cedar at the top. 4S01 Black Mountain is well know for its camping areas, and is also a rendezvous point for hikers on the Pacific Crest Trail. This trail is also a favorite for practicing your rock climbing skills. 4S01 Black Mountain closes during winter so you should check with the San Jacinto Ranger District as to status. Please respect the animals who call this forest their home, they were here first.

Trail Difficulty and Assessment

Trail Navigation

Trail Reviews

4.3/5 (19)
Seasonal Closure
Visited: 12/28/2022

I should have read the reviews....trail is currently closed.
Seasonal Closure
Rated 4/5
Visited: 11/27/2022
Difficulty Accuracy: Easier

2 miles in trail was closed for winter
Open
Rated 5/5
Visited: 10/22/2022
Difficulty Accuracy: Spot On

Decided to bring a few buddies with me this time. The harder parts of the trail are a little bit more chewed up than in past trips up here due to storm damage. I hear they close this road for winter, so I will probably not do it again until spring.
Open
Rated 4/5
Visited: 09/24/2022
Difficulty Accuracy: Spot On

Came back here and was again wow’d by the wonderful scenery and fun trail. First part of the trail was very crowded then thins out once you pass the Fuller cut off.
Open
Rated 4/5
Visited: 08/21/2022
Difficulty Accuracy: Spot On

I took this trail yesterday and enjoyed the amazing beauty of this portion of the forest that i don't get to very often. The views are amazing! I seriously was wondering why they gave this trail an intermediate rating, once you get to the "top", and the trail begins to go downhill, it does get a little more "fun". Nothing a Jeep can't handle. Very much worth the trip for the scenery alone, if not for the trail difficulty,

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