Drive FR-154 5.7 miles to a parking area near a sign pointing to the trail. It will be very obvious. You will be here (Note: the 1999 updated topo map shows the roads with more detail than the topozone map at this link)

In dry conditions the road is hard-pack and well graded, passable to most vehicles. 4-wd is probably not needed.

Route Description

Follow the trail (the CDT) south as it gently gains and trends southeast (your left). In about a half-mile it finally gains the range crest, slightly east of the summit. Make your own way up the steep but mostly-open slopes to the top. The total gain will be about 450 feet.

It appears the CDT is newer, or has been rerouted as to what's shown on the maps. It stays low on the northeast face of the ridge, only gaining the crest east of the peak. The map shows a trail staying on the ridge itself from Signal to Black. We saw a trail coming off the top but chose not to follow it.

Essential Gear

Just comfortable clothing. Pants and good shoes for the short off-trail bit to the top. The 1999 edition of the topo map will be useful.

External Links

Our report:

Black Peak (Nov 24, 2006)