Black Mountain  Photos:  Recent | Best | Popular Elevation:  7,500' Lat, Long:  33.8263, -116.7591 Map Page Views:  78,974. Good page? (1 like)    Administrators:  Euan Cameron, Colin Parker, M.Morley, Sam Vanderhyden, Tom Erickson Submitted By:  Obi on Jul 9, 2007 Make this area a Favorite What's New  Printer View Add Area  Add Photo  Add Comment  Add Event  Sat Sun Mon Tue Wed 79° | 50° 84° | 55° 90° | 55° 91° | 54° 86° | 50°

Lyra determined not to be a dead bug (photo by A. ...

Description 

A premier bouldering locale of southern california, the granite boulders call out to any climber who visits this area. A variety of boulder problems are found, both in terms of steepness and grades. Located at 7500 ft, bouldering here is in a beautiful mountain setting - pine trees are as plentiful as the boulders are.

Most newcomers to Black Mountain quickly notice two things: 1) the problems here are often tall and off-the-deck 2) the ratings are HARD for the grade. Fear not - many of the most visible problems are indeed tall (20+ feet in Boulder Basin), but shorter problems can be found if one looks close enough. As for the grades, I'd suggest leaving your egos at home...

The area is primarily a summer and fall destination site. The rangers lock the gates to Black Mtn during the winter and early spring months. Call the Idyllwild Ranger Station (909-382-2921) regarding questions about access to Boulder Basin campground if in doubt.

Weekends can be crowded, especially in Boulder Basin with many families (read: groups with kids) running around. Please be courteous and ask for permission before climbing on any problems that are in someone else's campsite.

Pit toilets are available in Boulder Basin. Although water (technically not drinkable...) can be piped into the campsite, spigots are shut off during drought seasons. Be sure to bring your own water just in case.

Camping: $10 dollars per night for a site in Boulder Basin Campground.

Parking outside of the campsites is extremely limited. Be Green and carpool if at all possible. In addition, cars parked outside of paid campsites require an Adventure Pass - contact the rangers in Idyllwild for more information.

• A website exists for Black Mountain here - blackmountainbouldering.blogspot.com/2009/03/black-mountain->>>

Getting There 

From L.A., take Interstate 10 east. Get off at highway 243 and head south towards Idyllwild. After about 30 minutes, turn left onto Black Mountain Road (look for a sign that says "Boulder Basin Campground").

After about 5 miles, you will arrive at OK Corral. A little less than a mile up the road, take the left turn towards Boulder Basin.

• Please note that the 6 miles of dirt road is rough. Each year the road is in varying states of "drivable conditions". Generally, although it is possible to make it up the dirt road, I would highly recommend a 4x4 vehicle. Please drive slowly on this road as it narrows in places.

The Classics

Featured Route For Black Mountain

Rounded Boulders Arete V3-4  CA : San Jacinto Mountains : ... : Rounded Boulders

Consistent movement through a beautiful line going up an overhanging arete. The starting holds are reachy for anyone under 6'...[more]   Browse More Classics in CA

Photos of Black Mountain Slideshow

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The sign off of highway 243 showing that you're on...	Grandview Point, Black Mountain	Attempting to get out to the lip...
Looking towards Desert Hot Springs from Black Moun...	Sunset from the Republic, Black Mountain	The sign at the start of the trail, Black Mountain
The Jewel (5.12), Black Mountain	Random Boulder, Black Mountain	Rock spire along the Fuller Ridge Trail, Black Mou...
The view from Grandview Point, Black Mountain	Looking south from the Boulder Basin CG road, Blac...	Sunset, Black Mountain
Afternoon bouldering, Black Mountain	The Chief (V4), Black Mountain	Rock formations, Black Mountain