File:021 Black Mountain Road Views (11).jpg

English: There are 2 Black Mountains in San Diego County. This one is also known as Big Black Mountain, located at a few miles to the north of Ramona, CA. Trailhead lies on Pamo Road in Pamo Valley. The place is a rural area with some ranches. Trailhead parking lot coordinates: 33.13965, -116.85055. My updated standalone Garmin vehicle GPS does not show Pamo Road, not even major rural roads like Bundy Canyon Road. When driving in the area, it showed my car running in a forest without any road. Fortunately, I always do my homework beforehand by looking up destinations on Google Maps. I note down all roads on a route, the driving directions (north, east, south, west, etc.) and distances between turns. Plus, I take a preview of the streets and do a virtual drive on the computer, especially near the turns. Sure, you can print out a map and make notes on it. The truck trails to the false summit are very rough. Cars, ordinary trucks & SUVs must be parked at the trailhead. Don't try to drive up the mountain unless your vehicle has a minimum ground clearance of 9. Drive @ a painfully slow pace or you will end up walking back. Over 12, you are safe. True off-road vehicles are prohibited on this route. Only street legal ones with off-road capabilities can do it. 4x4 is unnecessary. Gate may be LOCKED without notice at any moment! Of course, an easy and pleasant hike resolves the above worries. Go hiking!