Black Mountain Trail to the Fire Lookout (Idyllwild, CA)

8 miles - Hard Effort
4-5 Hours (Total)
2,820 Total Feet of Climbing
Max Elevation of 7,772 feet
Leashed Dogs Allowed

Located just outside of Idyllwild, CA in San Bernardino National Forest, the Black Mountain Trail hike to the fire lookout is a hidden gem. Often overshadowed by hikes like Tahquitz, it offers a healthy mountain climb, great panoramic views, a fire lookout, AND a secret grove of Giant Sequoia trees. You heard that correctly.

In this Guide:

Video & Turn by Turn Black Mountain Trail Directions
How to Get to the Black Mountain Trail
Everything You Need to Know To Prepare for the Hike

Quick Links: San Jacinto Ranger District - NOAA Weather Report - Top Gear Picks (Sep 2023)

When planning, always check the park website and social media to make sure the trails are open. Similarly, check the weather and road conditions.

Getting to the Trailhead

First off, there are about 50 million "Black Mountain Trails" out there, so make sure you are using the one designated as 2E35 in San Bernardino National Forest before the GPS routes you to South Dakota. Use this trailhead address:
Black Mountain Trail 2E35, 4S57, 2E35, Banning, CA 92220

Black Mountain Trail Directions 2 — The trailhead turnoff isn't obvious, but there are road signs in both directions for the trailhead.

Black Mountain Trail Directions 3 — There's a small dirt road up an incline to the parking area. You can do it in any vehicle if you go slow.

Black Mountain Trail Directions 4 — The parking lot is big, but usually fills up as the day goes on. The trailhead is at the far end of the lot. You don't need any parking pass here according to the SBNF website.

There are no bathrooms or water at the trailhead.

Gear For the Hike

The trail is a legit mountain climb, so you should use proper hiking gear on this hike. Trekking poles help you going up and down the steep slopes. Like most of the high mountains of Southern California, in the summer it can get very hot, and in the winter the trail can be covered with snow. Check the conditions before you go.

My Latest Gear Picks

Garmin inReach Mini 2 ( Amazon | REI )
HOKA Speedgoat 5 ( Men | Women )
Zpacks Sub-Nero Ultra ( Zpacks | Review )
Alpine Carbon Cork Poles ( REI | Amazon )

As a hiking guide, I test lots of hiking gear. On my picks page, I'll show you all of the gear that I actually use. I don't accept paid promotions or talk about the stuff that doesn't make the cut. It's just the gear that works best, so you don't have to waste your money.

All My September 2023 Top Gear Picks

Black Mountain Trail Maps

Overall the trail is easy to follow, except for the last small stretch before the summit. The trail can get mildly overgrown in places during the spring.

Explore Map on CalTopo View a Printable PDF Hike Map Download the Hike GPX File

Best Smartphone Apps to Navigate: AllTrails | GaiaGPS | OnX

Elevation Profile

Black Mountain Trail Elevation — For the most part you're going up. The middle section feels a little flatter and easier than this elevation profile suggests.

3d Map

Hike Brief

Black Mountain Trail Directions 31 — This hike includes a short visit to Boulder Basin campground. You could overnight here if you're feeling it. Note that the campground is also accessible by a dirt road.

A fire tower has been on Black Mountain (7,772 feet) since 1926, but the one you see now was built in 1962. It's staffed by volunteers and you can usually go up and have a look around, but please be polite and respectful.
There are 50 "Black Mountains" in the geographic registry for California. The official name of this peak is "Black Mountain #1" since it's the tallest of the 8 "Black Mountains" in southern California.
There are some good bouldering spots along the Black Mountain Trail. Look for hikers with big mats on their back. They are going bouldering.
The trailhead is close to the fire station, which is home to the Vista Grande Hotshots, and you can sometimes see them training on this trail. They hike up and down carrying their fire gear. Those guys are tough.
Okay, let's talk about the giant sequoias. In 1974 in nearby Hall Canyon, there was a fire, and afterwards the Forest Service planted about 150 giant sequoias there. Today they are growing, scattered around the Black Mountain Trail. Don't expect to see huge trees like Grizzly Giant, but if you know what to look for, you can spot some. If you want a full rundown of all the tree positions and their (re)discovery, read this study by Mena and Rudold Schmid.

Black Mountain Trail to the Fire Lookout Hike Directions

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Black Mountain Trail Directions 1 — The trailhead is at the end of the parking lot. You're at 5140 feet here.

Black Mountain Trail Directions 5 — Right from the gun you start climbing. From the start to the summit you're climbing about 2600 feet.

Black Mountain Trail Directions 6 — After some relatively straight sections, the trail starts to incorporate switchbacks.

Black Mountain Trail Directions 7 — And after a short while you'll emerge from the chaparral and start getting some views.

Black Mountain Trail Directions 8 — Big trees! But is it a giant sequoia? Look for bright reddish bark, egg-shaped cones, and scale-like needles. And don't look for giant trees. Since these were planted in 1974, they should be under 50 feet.

Black Mountain Trail Directions 9 — The trail levels off and heads through a boulder field. The next mile or so has some ups and downs, but is not as steep as the beginning.

Black Mountain Trail Directions 10 — The trail heads through some sections of vegetation. Most of the hike is in the shade.

Black Mountain Trail Directions 12 — When you cross the granite slab, stay straight and head downhill. There are tracks to the right to a viewpoint but that's not the trail.

Black Mountain Trail Directions 13 — You'll start getting views of San Gorgonio to your left.

On some maps you'll see the Cinco Poses Trail coming in from the right. Don't look for it. Whatever was there is long overgrown.

Black Mountain Trail Directions 14 — Soon you'll come out at a ridge and see Black Mountain in front of you. The next section is slightly downhill along Hall Canyon.

Black Mountain Trail Directions 15 — And after 5-10 minutes of easy level trail, you start going up again. From here on out you'll be climbing until you get to the top. The trail makes some switchbacks as it goes up Hall Canyon.

Black Mountain Trail Directions 16 — After crossing the (usually very dry) Hall Creek, the trail becomes more defined and has some nice long switchbacks.

Black Mountain Trail Directions 17 — When you get to the saddle with the trail sign, make the hard right. We'll be coming out here from the campground on the return.

Black Mountain Trail Directions 18 — The trail goes slightly uphill.

Black Mountain Trail Directions 19 — At the water tank, go to the right.

Black Mountain Trail Directions 20 — This is the toughest part of the trail to follow. There's definitely a trail, but it can get faint at points. It helps to consult the GPX track when in doubt.

Black Mountain Trail Directions 21 — After heading west to the cliff, the trail turns left (east) and heads sharply uphill.

Black Mountain Trail Directions 22 — As you enter an area of giant granite boulders, you'll spy the fire lookout above you.

Black Mountain Trail Directions 23 — You emerge on the road. Cross over and up the paved path to the summit.

Black Mountain Trail Directions 24 — Enjoy the fire lookout. When the campground is open, you'll be sharing it with folks who drove up and then did the short hike from there.

Black Mountain Trail Directions 25 — Photo opportunity!

Black Mountain Trail Directions 26 — The views from Black Mountain are spectacular. You'll see Saddleback Mountain, Angeles National Forest, and San Gorgonio.

Black Mountain Trail Directions 27 — When you're done at the summit, head back to the dirt road. You'll see San Jacinto as you head back to the path.

Black Mountain Trail Directions 28 — Hike down the sandy road until you reach the Boulder Basin Campground.

You can also just skip the campground and head back the way you came up.

Black Mountain Trail Directions 29 — When you reach the campground, make the first hard left turn. Or take a break at the campground.

Black Mountain Trail Directions 30 — There are toilets at the campground, but are usually locked if the campground is closed.

Black Mountain Trail Directions 32 — Head up the trail from the left turn, through the gate.

Black Mountain Trail Directions 33 — The trail goes gently uphill.

Black Mountain Trail Directions 34 — And then you emerge at the saddle where you made the turn to the summit earlier. From here just head back down the way you came.

Have a question about the guide or want to see what other people are saying/asking? View the Youtube comments for this video. Leave a comment and I will do my best to respond.

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This Guide Was Written by Cris Hazzard

Cris Hazzard 4 Mile Trail Yosemite
Hi, I'm Cris Hazzard, aka Hiking Guy, a professional outdoors guide, hiking expert, and author based in Southern California. I created this website to share all the great hikes I do with everyone else out there. This site is different because it gives detailed directions that even the beginning hiker can follow. I also share what hiking gear works and doesn't so you don't waste money. I don't do sponsored or promoted content; I share only the gear recommendations, hikes, and tips that I would with my family and friends. If you like the website and YouTube channel, please support these free guides (I couldn't do it without folks like you!).

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