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Ascent of Black Mountain on 2009-07-05

Climber: Brian Brigham

Others in Party:

Lindsey

Date:

Sunday, July 5, 2009

Ascent Type:

Successful Summit Attained

Motorized Transport to Trailhead:

Car

Peak:

Black Mountain

Location:

USA-California

Elevation:

1552 ft / 473 m

Ascent Trip Report

I decided to do this hike, since my wife and I ran some errands in North County early in the afternoon. The hike is very straightforward, following maintained trails and roads to the summit. The trail was not difficult overall but was steep and rocky in places. Even though the summit is crowned with a large assortment of radio/TV broadcast antennas and towers it is possible to get a panoramic view on top by walking around the fenced off complex. The views were only slightly hazy. I was able to spot Iron Mountain, Viejas Peak, Sycuan Peak, Mission Trail Peaks, Palomar Mountain, and San Jacinto Peak (I think). Vegetation was mostly shrubs that were brown this deep into the summer. We also saw two rattle snakes on the trail. The first, a six foot monster that was un-phased by our presence. The second was a tiny three foot snake which immediately rattled and scurried into the bushes upon our approach. Overall a good hike despite the somewhat tedious road hiking.

Summary Total Data

Elevation Gain:

868 ft / 264 m

Elevation Loss:

936 ft / 284 m

Grade/Class:

Class 1

Route Conditions:

Road Hike, Maintained Trail

Weather:

Pleasant, Breezy, Clear
80s with fairly good visibility

Ascent Statistics

Elevation Gain:

800 ft / 244 m

Extra Loss:

68 ft / 20 m

Distance:

1.8 mi / 2.9 km

Route:

Nighthawk Trail -->Service Road

Trailhead:

Hilltop Park 820 ft / 249 m

Time Up:

55 Minutes

Descent Statistics

Elevation Loss:

868 ft / 264 m

Extra Gain:

68 ft / 20 m

Trailhead:

Hilltop Park 752 ft / 229 m

Time Down:

45 Minutes

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