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
