Rancho To Black Mountain

I went for my first long-ish run of the season on Saturday. 13.6mi, 3250ft climbing. The route was from the Rancho San Antonio parking lot to Black Mountain Peak and back. Map.

Instead of a strict out-and-back, I took the optional secret single track that connects the top of the PG&E trail with the black mountain trail.



The PG&E trail follows some transmission lines up the mountain. It is fairly steep, but runnable. I didn't run it today because I want to slowly crank up my workouts. No need to be a hero.



At the high point on the PG&E trail I could see all the way to San Francisco. This is only possible on clear winter days. There is too much smog and haze over the bay in the summer.



Here I turn from the beaten path and take a small singletrack that connects me with the main trail up to Black Mountain. It is marked with a sign that says "Please Bury Human Waste And Toilet Paper". Ick. Sadly, most people seem to think this is an impromptu latrine area and the first 10 feet of trail are littered with TP.



At the top I could just see out to the Pacific Ocean. It is hard to see from the picture. The recent rains are starting to turn the hills from golden to green. I'm looking forward to more runs like this in the coming weeks. From the top I took the main trail back to the parking lot. It is a few miles longer and at an easier grade. A nice smooth downhill.