If you want to burn your calves and feel like cursing yourself for doing it, then Black Mountain needs to be on your list! The hike in itself is not so bad, but the final stretch of elevation does test your fitness level. Like with most of the hikes in Bay Area there are more than one trailheads that reach Black Mountain, and the most popular one is the Rhus Ridge Trail. Finding the parking lot of Rhus Ridge trailhead is an adventure of its own. Be prepared to start early as the trailhead parking is limited and you will need to walk extra half a mile if the lot is full.
From the trailhead parking lot, you take the dirt road through the woods before reaching the Caretakers house. The hike starts right from the Caretakers house and begins a steep climb for about half a mile before ending up at the top of mountain. You can catch beautiful views of the sunrise, and scenic views of the Bay once you are on top of the mountain.
Keep continuing for another half mile on Rhus ridge trail and you will reach the junction of Chamise Trail. At the Chamise Trail junction, you take the Black Mountain Trail and head towards Black Mountain. The trail becomes single track from this junction and passes through some shaded woods for the next 2 miles or so. This part of the trail from Chamise Trail junction through the woods is the best part of the trail, as it has gradual elevation and is shaded for most of the part.
About half mile away from the PG&E trail junction, Black Mountain trail starts to ascend steeply on a dirt road, which is where the calf burning section of the trail starts. The trail picks up about 700ft elevation and drops for about 100 ft in the next mile or so, as you go past the PG&E junction. The ascent ends at a gate, which is right next to the Radio tower on top of Black Mountain. Head straight, and make a right on Monte Bello Road, and the trail opens up to some fantastic views.
We took a break on top of the mountain and enjoyed the views before we could head down. The initial section of descent is steep, but then levels out as your reach the single track trail. From single track trail you keep following Black Mountain Trail, and before you realize you will almost be at the junction of Chamise Trail. Another mile from here and you are almost home after another steep descent to reach the Caretakers house. This is a good workout hike if you want to get in shape, or makes for good backpacking practice because of the elevation.
Difficulty – Difficult Insanity Level – 2 Distance ~ 10 miles Elevation ~ 2500 ft Time ~ 4-5 hours
Directions: Rhus Ridge Trailhead – Rhus Ridge Trail – Chamise Trail Junction – Black Mountain Trail – PG&E Trail Junction – Black Mountain Trail – Monte Bello Road – Black Mountain – Black Mountain Trail – PG&E Trail Junction – Black Mountain Trail – Chamise Trail Junction – Rhus Ridge Trail – Rhus Ridge Trailhead
The mountains are calling! 
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