Featured hike
Mile:
0.0: Begin at the gated entrance to Rhus Ridge Trail.
0.9: Crest and junction. Turn right onto Black Mountain Trail.
1.6: Junction with path to Hidden Villa. Continue straight on Black Mountain Trail.
1.85: Second junction with path to Hidden Villa, on the right. Continue straight on Black Mountain Trail.
3.45: Near a high-tension power line, the narrow path widens to a fire road and begins a steep, relentless climb.
3.85: Junction with Quarry Trail. Continue straight/right.
4.75: Junction. Turn right.
4.8: Junction. Turn left onto Monte Bello Road.
4.9: Hilltop. Turn right onto an unsigned path, and head a few feet to a rocky viewpoint.
4.9: Turn-around point.
9.75: Back at the trailhead.
Getting there:
From Interstate 280 in Santa Clara County, exit #16 El Monte/Moody Road and drive west on El Monte. Go straight through the stoplight at Foothill College, and at a stop sign at about 0.6 mile, turn left onto Moody Road. Drive about 0.5 mile on Moody, then turn left onto Rhus Ridge Road. Drive about 0.2 mile on this narrow road, then bear right into the parking lot.
GPS Coordinates* for Trailhead:
Latitude
Longitude
(* based on Google Earth data, shown as degrees, minutes, seconds)
Read about this hike in more detail and view photos at http://www.bahiker.com/southbayhikes/ranchoblack.html
© 2022 Jane Huber/Bay Area Hiker.