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Black Mountain Open Space Park
4.6 ★★★★★ 762 Google reviews · Running trail in San Diego, California · Posted hours
Runner's snapshot
- Surface
- Natural surface
- Loop distance
- 10 mi
- Shape
- Loop
- Shade
- Not reported
- Access
- Posted hours
Confirmed from Black Mountain Open Space Park's own listing, the park or land manager's website, and runner reviews. Blank cells mean we could not verify that fact — we would rather say "not reported" than invent one. There is no Easy / Moderate / Hard rating on this page on purpose: a one-word difficulty score tells you nothing about whether a trail suits your run. Surface, distance, shade and hours do.
2,352 acres of hills, ridges & canyons. Hike or bike to a central peak offering a 360-degree view.
What runners say about Black Mountain Open Space Park
“Great views for days from the top of black mountain as well as Manzanita Loop, Little Black Mountain, and Road Runner Loop.”
“Definitely recommend for all abilities and all levels of fitness!”
Awesome scenery with alot of trails to choose from. Great for mountain bikers and didnt see a whole lot of people either. There is some sort of paragliding that takes place from the top of the so called mountain but even if you are not there for that it makes a good views. My dog loved it as well.
One of the best locations in North San Diego County for a technical mountain bike ride. The San Diego Mountain Bike Association has volunteered many man hours over the last few years to make amazing trails that flow really well while still retaining great natural features like rock gardens and chaparral canopies that…
Plenty of open land for hiking and mountain biking. Wide trails for staying socially distant. Pet friendly. View from the top can see all the way to the coastline on a clear day. Depending on your approach, roughly 2 mile hike to the top.
ADA Trail! (The Jas Arnold Trail) Excellent trail accessible to all with multiple covered seating areas along the way. The grade is only at most 4.5%, so those in wheelchairs should have no issues. Also, pet friendly. There are multiple other hiking & biking areas with steeper and more challenging trails.
Trail conditions & character
“There is some sort of paragliding that takes place from the top of the so called mountain but even if you are not there for that it makes a good views.”
“Pretty steep and up and down hills also the trails are good for mount bikes for whoever likes the challenges.”
“One of the best locations in North San Diego County for a technical mountain bike ride.”
“Great views for days from the top of black mountain as well as Manzanita Loop, Little Black Mountain, and Road Runner Loop.”
Plan your run at Black Mountain Open Space Park
The practical stuff
- AccessPosted hours — posted hours below; park gates sometimes close earlier than the listing says
- SurfaceNatural surface — easiest on the joints and the most fun, but expect roots, rocks and mud after rain
- Loop distance10 mi back to where you parked. Long enough for a real long run.
- ShadeNot reported. Assume some of it is exposed and carry water in summer.
- LightingRunners report lights on the path — useful for pre-dawn and after-work miles. Lighting and opening hours are separate things, so check both.
- At the trailheadparking — reported by runners
- DogsWelcome, per reviewers. Leash rules vary by park — the trailhead sign is the authority.
- Stroller / wheelchairReported as smooth and step-free enough for a running stroller or a chair.
- Trail mapOfficial trail map
- Websitesandiego.gov
- Phone(858) 538-8082
- Social Instagram · Facebook
Hours
| Monday | 6 AM–7 PM |
| Tuesday | 6 AM–7 PM |
| Wednesday | 6 AM–7 PM |
| Thursday | 6 AM–7 PM |
| Friday | 6 AM–7 PM |
| Saturday | 6 AM–7 PM |
| Sunday | 6 AM–7 PM |
Running trails near San Diego
Other trails within easy driving distance — useful when this one is flooded, gated, or just not the run you had in mind today.
Van Dam Peak
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Twin Peaks Trail Summit
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