Black Mountain via Rhus Ridge Trail

Santa Clara County, California

Save

View all 4 photos

All 4 photos

Save Review Directions Add Photo

Details

Distance

9.75 miles

Elevation Gain

2992 ft

Route Type

Out-and-Back

Description

Added by Tiffany Chou

Black Mountain via Rhus Ridge Trail provides very cool views of Silicon Valley at the top and a really great workout!

Just outside of Los Altos is a very long ridge of mountains, one of which is Black Mountain.

This is a very dry hike, with no tree canopy, so it can get very hot! Be aware that this can make the hike feel a lot more difficult with the sun beating down on you. Follow Rhus Ridge Trail to Black Mountain Trail, then continue on Black Mountain Trail to reach the summit. One way to the summit is almost 5 miles, so make sure to make enough time for this hike!

The trail has a very gradual incline, up until the very last part -- don't think you're done until you're actually done! Not too many views exist at the very top, where you'll find some radio towers, but on the way down, you'll see some expansive views of Silicon Valley.

Dogs are not permitted on this trail.

Download the Outbound mobile app

Find adventures and camping on the go, share photos, use GPX tracks, and download maps for offline use.

Get the app

Download GPX File

Features

Hiking

Easy Parking

Forest

Black Mountain via Rhus Ridge Trail Reviews

Have you done this adventure? Be the first to leave a review!

Leave No Trace

Always practice Leave No Trace ethics on your adventures and follow local regulations. Please explore responsibly!

Nearby

Foothills Park: Boronda Lake

Situated in the hills above Palo Alto; Foothills Park is the perfect spot to spend the day outdoors. With hiking, fishing, picnic areas, wide open fields, and expansive views of the Bay Area, this hidden gem is a must visit. Foothills Park is 2.7 miles west of 280 after exiting Page Mill. After exiting you take a short scenic drive up the hill and come to the park entrance on your right. Like ...

Stevens Creek & Canyon Loop

This hike is best done in the late fall, winter, and spring so that the creek is running and the hills are green. Starting at the preserve parking lot, the first half of the hike is predominantly downhill. At the main trailhead, start in the direction of the Stevens Creek Nature Trail, as told by the signs. Along the first quarter mile, you can see views of the entire preserve, with a backdrop ...

Black Mountain and Stevens Creek Canyon

This hike can be done during any season, but for the creek to be running and for more comfortable temperatures, it is best to go on a cool winter or spring day. Starting at the preserve parking lot, take the Stevens Creek nature trail, allowing you to witness spectacular views of a large, forested valley. Turn right at the first trail intersection, taking you down into a forested canyon with a...

Deer Hollow Farm Trail

Rancho San Antonio Open Space Preserve has many beginner to intermediate hiking trails. Deer Hollow Farm Trail Loop is a hiking trail for beginners, families, or anyone wanting to go on a short hike with nice views of the bay. The trail passes by a farm and deer can often be seen wandering around. Parking fills up early in the morning so its best to get there early, or later in the afternoon...

Arastradero Preserve: Juan Batista & Meadowlark Loop

Getting There: From Hwy 280, take the Page Mill Road exit and head West on Page Mill Road, away from Downtown Palo Alto (if you're taking 101, exit on Oregon Expressway). Then turn right on Arastradero Road. There will be a small sign indicating the dirt parking lot on the eastern side of the street. Note that parking is not allowed on the street. The Hike: There are many trails in the prese...

Sunny Jim and Christmas Tree Trails

There are a bunch of beginner to intermediate mountain biking trails at Skyline Ridge Open Space Preserve (click here for a trail map). There are some beginner mountain biking classes that come here to learn. There is a Christmas tree farm that usually has small Christmas trees growing. On a rainy day, mountain biking here is particularly fun because of the muddy downhill sections. Ther...