Description: Join the Great Outdoors for another 4x4 (4 wheel drive) off-road adventure. In June, Great Outdoors hiked 4 miles and climbed 2,600 feet to reach the fire tower on Black Mountain, the northernmost peak of the San Jacinto range. This month we will do it the easy way. We will take I-10 through the Banning Pass to Highway 243 and follow that to Black Mt. Road, approximately 45 miles from out starting point. (Black Mt. Road may sound familiar. Last year’s summer jamboree was held at the group site on that road.) We will drive up Black Mt. Road approximately 5 miles, park near Boulder Basin campground, and then hike less than a mile to the fire tower, at an elevation of 7,772 feet. The reward is great views all around and much cooler temperatures. Depending on time and interest, we will then continue up Black Mt. Road to another viewpoint and perhaps beyond. We will then turn around, and return to Highway 243. From there, each vehicle can choose its route back to the valley. Idyllwild is not far.

Black Mt. Road is a dirt road with ruts and bumps. There are no rocks to climb. High clearance is a good idea, but may not be necessary. Road conditions for our trip will depend on the weather and road maintenance between now and then.

Please note: An Adventure Pass (or equivalent) is required to park for the hike to the fire tower.

Drivers willing to accommodate additional passengers are requested to RSVP to the contact listed below. Passengers who call the contact listed below will be accommodated on a first-come, first-served basis. It all depends upon how many additional 4x4 vehicles sign up. We will only assign 3 people to the smaller Jeep vehicles. This will leave room for carrying backpacks and supplies in the rear of the smaller vehicles. Also, in case a vehicle has to drop out at the last minute (which has happened), the extra space will prevent someone from being turned away on the day of the event.

Contact: Bruce Maughan @ (760) 327-1789 or email: brmaughan@dc.rr.com

Meeting Information Date: Saturday, Aug. 5, 2006 Time: 9 AM / Return: Approx. 4-5 PM Place: Arranged By Phone/Email Contact: Bruce Maughan at (760) 327-1789 Note: Drivers Wanted/Passengers Welcome

Trip Notes Length: Appox 10 miles on trail Driving Time: 4 hours on trail Elevation Range: up to 7,772 Difficulty: Easy Note: Bring water, lunch and snacks

Member's Experiences

You're welcome to share your written or photographic experiences about this hike with the Chapter. Your comments will be posted with this hike the next time it occurs. Please send your thoughts and/or photographs to our Webmaster.

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