BMHS Hike - Monte Bello and Black Mountain

Subject: BMHS Hike - Monte Bello and Black Mountain
Date & Time: Saturday Nov 30, 2024 10:00 am – 3:00 pm
Level: Moderate (2B) 7 mi, 1500 ft gain
Leader: Kosta Achin - [email protected]
Meet: At Skyline Circle parking lot, part of the Skyline Ridge Open Space, located next to Skyline Blvd, about 1 mi. south of Page Mill Rd. (GPS: 37.3126, -122.1769)
Description: A moderately-paced hike starting at the Skyline Circle lot. We will cross Skyline Blvd, enter Monte Bello and hike down into the forest following the Skid Road Trail. As we cross Stevens Creek, we will begin gaining altitude through the woods along Indian Creek Trail, finally reaching the grass lands which are straw colored at this time. We will then make our way along Monte Bello Road to Black Mountain (2,812 ft) gaining altitude along the way. From there we will hike back to the Black Mountain Backpack Camp for lunch. Then we will follow various trails, still high in the grass lands with great views, headed toward the parking lot on Page Mill Rd. Shortly before reaching the lot, we will turn on to Stevens Creek Nature Trail, heading back down into the forest, losing altitude until we are back to the Skid Road Trail, on which we will hike along gaining altitude until we reach our starting point.
History of the park: The Ohlone Indians were here first followed by dairy ranches in the 1800s and early 1900s. This area is home to black-tailed deer, turkeys, coyotes and mountain lions. Poison oak, ticks and rattlesnakes are also here, so learn to identify them and steer clear of them.
Wear/bring: Hiking boots/shoes, 2.0 L water, layered clothing, lunch, hiking poles (optional),
Medical Form: Due to lack of cell-phone coverage this is considered a back country hike. You must have a completed medical form with you. Link for the form can be reached using Medical Form Link. I will need to verify that you have a completed copy of this form with you at the start of the hike.
Restrooms: Available at the starting point and at our lunch spot.
Signup Instructions:

1. Signup for this hike via Sierra Club site ONLY
2. Please provide emergency contact name and phone number as well as your email and phone contact information when you signup.

Post hike: Chips and drinks provided after the hike.

Event Attendees: Limited to 12 hikers