Parking
No vehicle access on the island; arrive by boat or aircraft and begin at the Bechers Bay pier. Water Canyon Campground is an alternate overnight base reached by trail, with camping reservations required.
Overview
About Black Mountain Trail
Black Mountain is Santa Rosa Island’s long, steep summit hike, climbing through oak woodland to broad views over Bechers Bay and neighboring islands. The current National Park Service listing gives the outing as 8 miles round trip from the Bechers Bay pier and rates it strenuous. The route is remote and exposed, with limited shade and wind on the ridge.
Why go
- Distinctive Santa Rosa Island oak woodland and wide summit views
- Panoramas reach Bechers Bay, neighboring islands, and the mainland in clear weather
Heads up
- Remote, exposed route with strong wind, sparse shade, and limited signage
- Long strenuous outing requiring careful water and transportation planning
Map & elevation
The route
Loading the Channel Islands map
Full mapElevation52–1,201 ft
Plan your hike
Before you go
Parking
Safety
3 active Channel Islands alerts
- ClosureSanta Rosa Island wildfire-recovery closuresMentions Santa Rosa Island, referenced in this guideAvoid closed routes and shorelines on Santa Rosa Island during recovery from the 2026 wildfire.Official details
- ClosureSanta Rosa access closures at Sandy Point and China CampMentions Santa Rosa, referenced in this guideFollow the closures and on-trail-only restrictions at Sandy Point and between China Camp and Cluster Point to protect island wildlife and sensitive resources.Official details
The highest, rockiest slopes around here are a summer buffet for grizzly bears.
Channel Islands Tour Guide
Your drive to Black Mountain Trail, narrated.
Parkwolf is a GPS audio tour guide for Channel Islands National Park. As you drive, it chimes in with what’s ahead: hidden gems, upcoming stops, history, geology, and wildlife, right through your car’s speakers.
See the Channel Islands audio tourRecorded for this trailhead
Santa Rosa Island's Water Canyon CampgroundListen
“You're nearing the Water Canyon Campground, the only established campsite on Santa Rosa Island.”
Plays as you drive up to this trailhead in the Parkwolf Channel Islands Tour Guide.
More stories near here in the app
- Trail Options from the Bechers Bay Pier
- A Glimpse into the Vail and Vickers Ranch
- Water Canyon Beach: A Remote Stretch of Sand
- Torrey Pines Overlook: Viewing the Rare Grove
- 47 audio storiesacross Channel Islands’s roads, triggered by GPS as you drive
- Wildlife heatmapsfor Island Fox, Humpback Whale, Blue Whale, and 13 more
- Works offlinemaps, 31 trails, 49 places, and audio download before you lose signal
- CarPlay readysimple controls built for the drive
“Fantastic app with many points of information… It’s great to just turn on while you’re driving and it gives you an audio tour of the national Park. We love it!!!!”
Trail guide
Hiking Black Mountain Trail
Route and What to ExpectFrom the Bechers Bay pier, follow the established Airstrip Road and Water Canyon access into…
From the Bechers Bay pier, follow the established Airstrip Road and Water Canyon access into Cherry Canyon Trail, then continue on Telephone Road and the rough ridge track to Black Mountain. This record represents the direct out-and-back to the summit; the National Park Service notes an optional loop using Cherry Canyon Trail, Telephone Road, and Soledad Road. Some sections are faint or minimally signed, so carry a detailed map and GPS and stay on established roads and trails rather than animal paths.
Scenery and Natural HighlightsThe summit route passes through Santa Rosa Island’s distinctive oak woodland before reaching…
The summit route passes through Santa Rosa Island’s distinctive oak woodland before reaching exposed ridgelines and wide views of Bechers Bay, Cherry Canyon, Carrington Point, Skunk Point, Santa Cruz Island, San Miguel Island, and, in clear weather, the mainland. Island foxes and endemic plants may be seen along the way.
Difficulty and ConditionsThis is a strenuous, remote hike with roughly 1,200 feet of climbing, full sun exposure, sparse…
This is a strenuous, remote hike with roughly 1,200 feet of climbing, full sun exposure, sparse shade, and strong wind potential. Drinking water is not available on Santa Rosa Island: bring all water you need, or follow current park guidance for treating natural water. Spigots at the campground and historic ranch area should not be treated as drinking-water sources. Allow about 4–5 hours for the complete round trip, depending on wind, navigation, and conditions.
Tips and EtiquetteTravel with a buddy, pack out everything, and protect the island’s fragile habitat.
- Travel with a buddy, pack out everything, and protect the island’s fragile habitat.
- Stay on designated trails and roads, avoid unstable cliff edges, and do not follow animal paths.
- Dogs are not allowed. Plan transportation carefully so you meet the boat or aircraft departure time.
Wildlife
Wildlife in Channel Islands
2,232 sightingsIsland FoxMost seen around 6 PMSighting map
282 sightingsHumpback WhaleMost seen around 9 AMSighting map
79 sightingsBlue WhaleMost seen around 7 AMSighting map
101 sightingsGrey WhaleMost seen around 8 AMSighting map
364 sightingsCalifornia Sea LionMost seen around noonSighting map
105 sightingsBald EagleMost seen around 5 PMSighting mapSighting maps show where each species has been reported across Channel Islands. Wildlife moves, so no sighting is guaranteed.
