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Black Mountain Trail
4.6 ★★★★★ 76 Google reviews · Running trail in Los Altos, California · Hours vary
Runner's snapshot
- Surface
- Not reported
- Distance
- 14 mi
- Shape
- Not reported
- Shade
- Not reported
- Access
- Not reported
Confirmed from Black Mountain Trail'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.
9.7 miles of oak- & chaparral-studded hiking track, with sweeping Bay Area views from the top.
What runners say about Black Mountain Trail
“Overall, beautiful, peaceful, and challenging in a good way.”
“Great views, good for hiking and running”
Walked the bike most of the trail. Downhill was exciting in the dark .
You can get to Black Mountain after you reach the "end" of the PGE trail in Rancho San Antonio. It is a difficult hike, do not attempt if you are not used to using 2000 calories on hikes. Especially considering PGE itself may have wiped you out.
Amazing place and great views at the end. The hike is pretty intense, but the view at the end makes it worth it. Overall it's about 10 miles and the last leg is extremely tough, but view from the top makes it worth it!
Did a full 14 mile hike at Black Mountain starting from the PGE Trail and merging onto the Black Mountain Trail. The incline is steady and definitely a good workout, but very doable if you pace yourself. The views at the summit make the effort completely worth it.
Trail conditions & character
“About 1/2 mile of hills but the views are spectacular so you can get your shots and most importantly a break 😃.”
“The incline is steady and definitely a good workout, but very doable if you pace yourself.”
“Parking is on Cristo Rey Drive, which is also used for the popular PG&E Trail.”
“Did a full 14 mile hike at Black Mountain starting from the PGE Trail and merging onto the Black Mountain Trail.”
“Once you reach the top, you get a flat section and then a downhill which should get you ready for final set of hills (about 3) with small flat sections between them.”
Plan your run at Black Mountain Trail
The practical stuff
- AccessHours vary — hours are not posted for this trail, so check before an early or late run
- Distance14 mi as reported — check whether that is one way or a round trip before you commit. Long enough for a real long run.
- ShadeNot reported. Assume some of it is exposed and carry water in summer.
- At the trailheadparking, restrooms — reported by runners
- Websiteredwoodhikes.com
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