Black Mountain Truck Trail Guide

Black Mountain Truck Trail is an easy to moderate off-road trail near Ramona, California, that brings you from the picturesque Pamo Valley to striking views at the peak of Black Mountain, in Cleveland National Forest.
For more information on the trail, located in San Diego County, check out our full guide at: www.outdoorsoc...
To find other off-road trails in the area, visit our guide to San Diego off-road trails: www.outdoorsoc...
If you are just getting into off-roading and/or overlanding, check out our sister site Ordealist: www.ordealist.com
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[@jonnyhalo1041]

Finally did this trail at night and man it's almost like a whole different ride at night. Was super rad!

[@bernardaborita4631]

Is it 24 hours access on the trail?

[@carolcarpenter7133]

I’ve done this trail 3 times, once at night. A fun trail. Thanks for sharing it.

[@johndean4120]

Great job on this video! Thanks for making it, really enjoyed watching.

[@matthewlewis-zw3tf]

At night sounds great. Thanks everyone for the suggestion.

[@jonnyhalo1041]

Just did that trail last week. Was cool, gonna do it at night next! 🤘🏼

[@Outdoorsocal]

Nice. Night sounds fun. Stars!

[@meganbugzavich5175]

The blue flowers are lilac :) a well known spring bloomer and smell amazing

[@Outdoorsocal]

Thanks for clearing that up! They were lovely.

[@overlandingallegiance]

Came in from the Sutherland dam via the dam road then Black Canyon rd. then onto Upper Santa Ysabel road then made it half way up the Black Mountain road before we decided to turn around (It had been a long day prior to the turn around). As you say, its a fun trail and very easy to get to from anywhere in SD county really. Went back a few weeks later and the gates were closed, so haven't made it all the way to the top yet. gonna give it another go soon! Great video thank you for sharing!

[@Outdoorsocal]

That's a great route too! I've seen people playing in the river below the dam. Looks fun.

[@monicacasas1734]

this looks awesome!

[@broinsocali]

Add this trail to my list.

[@pablotanja2405]

I'm going to try that!!! very nice!!!!

[@matthewlewis-zw3tf]

I'm definitely going to check it out soon. Can't wait. Sad he doesn't have a son or gf with him... All alone...❤

[@colbertbd]

Going to try it today. I saw you air down and assume that really wont be needed (clear, dry). Air down tools are on the way.

[@Outdoorsocal]

How'd it go?

[@colbertbd]

@@Outdoorsocal it went great! My family didn't have as much fun as me, however. Really didn't need 4 wheel drive, but used it every now and again. You know, just to make sure it works. I didn't air down, so it was a little bumpy.

[@adamstackhouse2051]

3:20 looks spooky

[@othess.2718]

Awesome video!. Are there plenty of spots to pull into in case you encounter opposing traffic? Planning to head there with several drivers new to off-roading. I dont want them to freak out their first time out. Thanks.

[@Outdoorsocal]

Thanks! There are spots to pull over in many areas, but you may need to back up in some places to get to them.

[@victorhernandez4241]

How long was it to complete the trail?

[@nashgamalinda5383]

I have a 4runner 4wd and it’s stock, can go to this trail? I’m a newbie in off roading. And by the way, what’s the address of this trail because I was trying to search but couldn’t find it. Thanks!

[@Outdoorsocal]

You should be fine. Just check that it's open if you are trying to go in the rainy season. It's often closed when wet.

[@GEEALVARADO]

Do you think a stock subaru outback with 8.7 approach and departure angle has the clearance to make it up?

[@Outdoorsocal]

Haven't done it in an Outback or similar vehicle, so take what I say with a grain of salt. Guessing you'd be okay if you take it slow, but here are some rocky patches near the top that might present a clearance issue.

[@afterhours514]

Did you ever try it with your stock outback? Let me know!

[@n9neduece]

I wanna take my forester through here. Lmk

[@robertf3340]

Nice trail. Too narrow for a full size truck?

[@Outdoorsocal]

Sorry for the slow reply. Full size truck should be fine.

[@robertf3340]

@@Outdoorsocal No worries brother. Thanks for the response

[@sharkerio]

Is this Black Mountain near San Jacinto?

[@Outdoorsocal]

This is the one near Ramona, so further south.

[@richardmoore2003]

Curious,what rack is that on top of your Jeep?

[@Outdoorsocal]

It's a Teraflex Nebo rack. Had a local shop that sells them install it. Kinda pricey, but you can use it to lift the top off.

[@mohangc2834]

Is it just one way road? Some of the area looks narrow for two way.

[@Outdoorsocal]

It's a two way, but in places two vehicles can't pass each other. So someone will need to back up to a wider section.

[@SoCalGreenParty]

Would I be able to tackle this in a Audi Q5 with 20" wheels? Wife is nervous and doesn't want to go "Jeepin'"

[@Outdoorsocal]

Not sure about that, as I don't know much about the Q5. Pretty sure a Subaru Outback could make it, but not sure how an Outback compares to the Q5...

[@joevallone7313]

Any idea if you can camp there?

[@Outdoorsocal]

I've seen people camping at the top. Not sure about the legalities of it. I want to say it's national forest, so you're probably supposed to get a dispersed camping permit.

[@renevillalvazo8279]

will a Raptor fit through the trails? Your thoughts are greatly appreciated. Thanks

[@Outdoorsocal]

Yep, should be fine.

[@renevillalvazo8279]

@@Outdoorsocal Thanks for the reply and congrats on the great videos :) cheers!

[@gpaje]

Thanks for posting, well done video and editing! How does this compare to Otay Truck trail in regards to trail width? I got a rather wide truck.

[@Outdoorsocal]

Thanks! It's narrower in spots than Otay. You can probably get through, but might have problems passing other vehicles.

[@gpaje]

@@Outdoorsocal Gotcha, thank you for the update on that!

[@lao8277]

You think a RAV4 can do this trail?

[@Outdoorsocal]

Probably. Especially during dry times. Wouldn't hit it after a rain.

[@payneszn]

Do you think id have a problem with the trail my ranger is only 2wd

[@Outdoorsocal]

Probably fine, unless it's wet/muddy.

[@payneszn]

@@Outdoorsocal cool thanks and is the trail usually open?

[@Outdoorsocal]

@@payneszn It's typically open unless it's rained recently or the forest service closes nationa forests due to fire danger. More info here on how to check: www.outdoorsocal.com/posts/black-mountain-truck-trail/

[@gaelv9948]

Do you know if this trail is back open?

[@Outdoorsocal]

Haven't been out there yet. The forest service page says it's still closed. www.fs.usda.gov/detail/cleveland/recreation/ohv/?cid=stelprdb5340229

[@carloschavez251]

Checked today and it’s open again unless it starts raining again

[@Outdoorsocal]

@Carlos Chavez need this June gloom drizzle to end...

[@williamriley-jones]

Is this truck trail deactivated?

[@Outdoorsocal]

Shouldn't be. Could be closed due to rain/mud though.

[@bullsmurf]

Are green sticker vehicles allowed?

[@Outdoorsocal]

Don't think so. Haven't seen any ATVs out there or motorcycles that look like green sticker bikes. I want to say there's a sign at the entrance that says only street legal vehicles, but could be making that up.

[@jeffarcher400]

It's street legal only but Orosco ridge used to be ok for green stickers. There's been changes there so not sure if it's still open. Used to have to call and get the combo to the gate. Closest rides are Pine Valley,Corral cyn and Mc Cain. I think the Otay truck trail is open to green stickers but it's getting hard to find a way in by Alta Rd. Better access is from the Pool Pico campground. There's no public parking though so it's up to the camp manager if they let you park. We always bought snacks and it was ok. Since the other access is restricted it may have gotten crowds and become an issue. Of course if you camp there you're in. I seen people with bikes coming out of the Barona MX track and heard it's open. Shady oaks are nice in summer.

[@Michael-lu2tz]

There’s a sign posted at the entrance of the trail that states no ohv allowed on the trail but every time I go hiking in pamo there’s always a guy or two on dirt bikes up there, so take that as you will

[@iamapigeyedtraitorthatisin1319]

Nice video. Do you think a Nissan Armada 4wd stock can make it here?

[@Outdoorsocal]

I've never driven an Armada, but with 4wd you should be fine.

[@iamapigeyedtraitorthatisin1319]

@@Outdoorsocal ok thanks, I was just wondering about the clearance and I’m not even sure what the clearance is on it. Thank you.

[@ericratza5353]

Hey, you are my neighbor. I live about 200 yards from you. Cul-de-Sac down RevelSt. lets go Jeeping!

[@Outdoorsocal]

Ha! Too funny. Let's do it. I'll walk down some time, or swing by when you get a chance.