Black Mountain - via Black Mountain Trail
Hiked with two huskies, Lark & Storm.
Weather: It was 47 F on the way to the trail & complete fog with visibility only about 20-30 ft. Took me forever to reach trailhead. Sun poke through the dense white fog & marine layer. Few patches of snow on the way to the saddle & towards the Boulder Basin Camp. None at the summit.
Trail Condition: perfect, excellent for dogs, lots of shade, going through the pine forest. From the saddle, keep up & right to the summit. Fire lookout tower was boarded up. I got up only to first deck. Excellent views all around. Lost the trail shortly before 3 miles, but got back on it ok. I was distracted with the dogs pulling after each lizard! It was 3.81 miles to summit.
From the summit, one can take the flat dirt road, which forms a loop, going down to Boulder Basin camp. From there, it is about 0.25 of a mile to the saddle & then retrace steps down, the way you come.
From the summit, I took down, the same trail that I come up, then took the right, down to check out the camp. Nice spot for camping. I liked spots 22, 24, 32. There are few bathrooms too.
Other Hikers: met a solo hiker/male just before saddle. Met another solo rock climbing guy, as I reached the summit. When I went to the camp, there were a dozen or so of rock climbers all spread around massive boulders. Going down, met another young couple that was coming up the trail.
Water Source: none
Wildlife Sightings: lizards, birds
Highlight Of The Hike:
1) no injuries, although my left Achille’s tendon is aching.
2) Amazing views!
3) Beautiful Birdhouse as one reaches the summit.
4) Got a new peak