Rancho San Antonio to Monte Bello and back (21.6 mi, ~3500 feet elevation gain)

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This run takes you from the parking lot at Rancho San Antonio (about 400') to the top of Black Mountain (about 2800'), and adds in a nice loop in Monte Bello Open Space Preserve.  There is a lot of elevation gain on this run, although much of it is on the shaded Black Mountain Trail.  Still, the run can be hot and dry in the summer, so bring lots of water!  The highlight of this run is the grand view from the top of 2812' Black Mountain.  The run starts in the second parking area at Rancho San Antonio, near the bathrooms. 

Thanks to Bill Mack for taking me on this run.

The Dirt:
Extras:
  • The only official drinkable water along the route is at the farm, about one mile into the run.  There are two water taps near the Black Mountain Trail camp, but they are labeled as "Not Potable."  (Bill has drunk the water in the past and seems to have had no ill effects...  Drink at your own risk!)  UPDATE 1/11/10: I spoke with a representative from the Open Space District who confirmed that none of the water in the area is potable!
The Run:
  • 0.0 mi: Cross the wooden bridge at the northwest corner of the parking area, and turn right onto the Permanente Creek Trail.
  • 0.3 mi: Turn left onto the Lower Meadow Trail and continue following the signs for Deer Hollow Farm.
  • 1.1 mi: Past the farm, head through the gate onto the Rogue Valley Trail.
  • 1.5 mi: Pass the Wildcat Loop Trail and the Mora Trail.  Continue heading up the Rogue Valley Trail.
  • 2.2 mi: Turn right just before the (usually dried up) pond and head up toward the Chamise Trail.
  • 2.4 mi: Turn left to continue climbing up the Chamise Trail.
  • 4.2 mi: At Duveneck Windmill Pasture Area.  When the trail splits, either go straight on the singletrack or left onto the fire road (both trails meet a few tenths of a mile later.)
  • 4.5 mi: Pass the Rhus Ridge Trail on the right.  Continue straight onto the Black Mountain Trail.  Over the next four miles the trail will switchback up the ridge, then turn into a fire road.  The fire road will be very steep in sections and will eventually come out onto Monte Bello Road near Black Mountain.
  • 8.4 mi: After the gate, turn right onto Monte Bello Road toward the trail camp.  Keep following signs toward the trail camp.
  • 8.9 mi: At the trail camp.  There is a bathroom here, and a water spigot labeled as "Not Potable."  Continue toward the Bella Vista Trail.
  • 9.0 mi: Turn left onto the Bella Vista Trail toward the Canyon Trail.
  • 9.8 mi: Veer right onto the Canyon Trail toward Page Mill Road.
  • 10.0 mi: Turn left onto the singletrack trail toward the parking lot.
  • 10.4 mi: At the parking lot.  There is a bathroom here but, alas, no drinking water.  After taking a break, head back the way you came toward the Canyon Trail.
  • 10.8 mi: Turn right to head back down the Canyon Trail.
  • 11.0 mi: Back at the Bella Vista Trail junction.  This time, veer right to continue on the Canyon Trail.
  • 11.6 mi: At the White Oak Trail junction.  Veer left to continue on the Canyon Trail.
  • 11.8 mi: Turn left onto the Indian Creek Trail.  The next mile is a painful, steep climb back up to Black Mountain Trail Camp...
  • 12.8 mi: When the trail flattens out, veer right to head back to Monte Bello Road.
  • 13.0 mi: Turn right onto Monte Bello Road.
  • 13.2 mi: Turn left to start heading back down the Black Mountain Trail.  From now on, simply backtrack the way you came up all of the way back to the car. 
  • 19.2 mi: Turn right just past the (dried up) pond toward Rogue Valley Trail.
  • 19.4 mi: Turn left onto the Rogue Valley Trail and head back to the Deer Hollow Farm.
  • 20.5 mi: Back at the farm.  Continue on the Lower Meadow Trail to the Permanente Creek Trail back toward the parking area.
  • 21.6 mi: Back at the car!!
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