Overview:
Towering over Silicon Valley, waaaay back to the rear of Rancho San Antonio, lies 2812' Black Mountain. Starting at the little-known Rhus Ridge parking lot, you can enjoy a healthy workout and a grand panoramic view of Silicon Valley!
The unusual snow picture was taken in December 2008. Your hike is much more likely to be sunny and dry!
Other access routes are from upper Page Mill Road to the northwest, and a much easier hike from Permit-only parking on upper Montebello Road. (Call the Midpeninsula Open Space District for a "Waterwheel Creek" Montebello Road parking permit, 2 business days prior. See provided link for details)
Tips:
Sturdy shoes, water, sun protection, and maybe some additional clothing, as the summit can be much cooler and more breezy than the starting point. This area of California typically has mountain lions, rattlesnakes, ticks, and the occasional scorpion. Staying on the trail, during daylight hours only, will help you avoid these critters.
The hidden Rhus Ridge parking lot is the starting point. Though it's on a small side-road, it fills-up early on weekends. There's room for only about 8 cars. Alternate parking is down the hill at the previous intersection. (The neighbors do not like your parking elsewhere along the private Rhus Ridge Road, only the official parking lot)
From this area you can look down onto the large rock quarry to the east. By design, this quarry is not visible from down below, but is quite obvious when you're above it on this trail! (It's worth a look on a satellite map to understand the dimensions)
Clearly visibly from distant locations in Silicon Valley and hovering behind the lower levels of Rancho San Antonio, the towers near the summit are quiet a site. They're accessible by vehicle, via Montebello Road to the southeast, but not for the general public.
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