A 10+ mile loop
that follows an approved and maintained Black Mountain Open Space
trail that can be either completed in one single hike, or easily
broken up in smaller sections and multiple hikes. Trail markers are
placed along the route and the caches were placed to specifically
help guide you along the correct path; it should be obvious which
trail to take based on the next cache location. There are 33 caches
in this series but it is possible to pick up another 15 along the
trail.
You can either
hike or bike this trail. The terrain has a little bit of
everything...flat areas, gentle slopes, and even a few steep up and
down sections. You'll have to cross various creeks and washout
areas a few times via foot bridges in some locations, and concrete
washout areas in others. Crossing the washouts might be difficult
and slippery after periods of heavy rain, so keep that in mind.
Also, there are numerous interesting geological features along the
way.
Most caches are
right off the trail, while a few might require just a short walk
from the trail to reach. Watch and listen for snakes! We tried to
provide a variety of hide styles: some caches are low, some are
hanging, some are neither, some are big enough for small trackable
items, some are just big enough for a log. Be gentle with the
various containers. If something needs repair, let us
know!
Complete the
loop in one day by either foot or bike and have your name recorded
for prosperity in the hikeNcache Hall of Fame!
HELPFUL
HINTS:
1. If you are
planning on tackling this loop in one day on foot, be prepared to
spend 5 hours or more on the trail.
2. Bring a lot of water if you are doing the complete loop. 2-3
liters is recommended.
3. Not all caches have something to write with inside, so bring a
pen.
4. Bring a snack, or even lunch. It's a long hike!
5. Don't forget the sunscreen lotion.
6. Watch where you park as some parking areas have gates that lock
at dusk.
Black
Mountain Trail Map
