Hidden Hikes
Black Mountain Ramona 5.6 Miles - Easy

The top offers 360 degree views of Organ Valley, Lake Sutherland, Mesa Grande and Pamo Valley.

Black Mountain ("Big"), standing at an elevation of 4,052 feet, is nestled in the clandestine oak and grassland-lined Pamo Valley, north of Ramona in the Cleveland National Forest.

After an arduous journey struggling with traffic, all is forgotten as you pass through an oak-lined woodland along Pamo Road (via Haverford Road & Highway 78). As you descend into the secluded valley below a spectacular panorama opens up before you.

It is here in Pamo Valley where you will begin your ascent to the summit of Black Mountain. Continue heading north on Pamo Road until the pavement ends and you come upon Upper Santa Ysabel Truck Trail (12S07) to your right. If you choose, you could begin your winding upward journey here on foot, bike or horse; however; the road is easily drivable with a high clearance vehicle and will get you to within 1 mile of the summit (check conditions first to confirm all gates and roads are open).

After about 1.5 miles, the truck trail intersects left into the Black Mountain Truck Trail (11S04), from here it's an intimidating 5.6 miles to the road's end. Park nearby the locked gate near the hang glider and paraglider warning sign, from here it's a relatively steady 45-minute hike upward along an access road.

Pamo Valley is where you begin your ascent to the summit of Black Mountain. Photos courtesy of jason ritter

You will pass through a magnificent stand of towering pine trees that are reminders of the Penny Pines Program that began in California in 1941 to assist in the reforestation of the National Forests. As you climb out of the pine forest and the summit appears, the road will abruptly end.

To the north you will find a well-worn foot trail that will lead you to concrete steps, footings and cistern that once supported a fire-lookout tower. Instantly, you realize why a fire tower once stood here, the 360-degree panoramic view is breathtaking. To your west you can see Pamo Valley and the ocean afar, to the east Mesa Grande Indian Reservation, to the south Organ Valley and the very prominent Lake Sutherland Lake Dam built in 1953.

Pack a picnic lunch and enjoy a breathtaking day traveling through Pamo Valley on your way to the seldom-visited summit of Black Mountain.

For current conditions in the Cleveland National Forest visit: www.fs.fed.us/r5/cleveland/conditions/