Black Mountain Bouldering Guide - Girl Beta & Videos

Black Mountain is located on the top of the San Jacinto Mountains in Idyllwild California. Since it's at a high elevation, the temperature drop makes it an excellent choice for summer bouldering trips.

The climbing in the area features toothy sharp crimps, and sloping lip traverses. Be ready to crimp hard, and stretch your hamstrings for all the heel hooks. There are several massive high balls here for those seeking a thrill, mostly located around or on top of the campsites.

Since many of the boulder problems are located along the hillsides, the landings can be slopey and uneven. Be sure to bring several pads, and a tri-fold can be helpful for flattening the landing zone a bit.

The best time to visit Black Mountain is Spring, Fall, and parts of Summer. Be aware that the dirt road is often closed for Winter during snowfall. If the road is closed, you're in for a very serious hike to the top.

The camping is very close to the bouldering, so park your van or tent and pack your pad up to walk to the boulders. Campsites are on a first come first serve and sites are often available if you arrive on a weekday.

Looking for some nearby Southern California bouldering destinations? Check out the guides below:
Tramway Bouldering
Joshua Tree Bouldering

As always, be sure to educate yourself on leave no trace principles for the area. Be sure to pay your camping fees. Boulderers skipping out on nightly fees has lead to slightly stricter involvement from the local rangers.

Read more about the seven principles of Leave No Trace (LNT) in our article: What is the Leave No Trace Philosophy?

Sometimes it helps to get another woman’s perspective on which boulder problems to get on. Below you’ll find a selection of female favorites, and a great roadmap on which routes to add to your tick list when visiting Joshua Tree National Park.

Warning: If you're climbing onsight, scroll no further. Spoilers ahead!

Jackie Trejo climbs the fun and dynamic Flower Pot Dyno V0

Jackie Trejo climbs the high ball Campground Arete V2 in Black Mountain

Bridget Kilgallon climbs the often overlooked Visor Lip V3 in Black Mountain

Maddy Volo climbs the high ball Kong King Face V3 in Black Mountain

Jackie Trejo climbs The Chief V4 in Black Mountain

Bridget Kilgallon climbs the OK Problem V4 in Black Mountain

Bridget Kilgallon climbs the Saddle Traverse V4 in Black Mountain

The saddle traverse boulder is an excellent place to go in a group. With ample space for pads, spotters, and spectators the area won't feel too crowded. The moves are all very approachable, and the landing is low and flat. A bit of technique to help with the pump.

Grab your gals and head to the saddle boulder for a fun problem everyone can work.

Jackie Trejo climbs Gypsy Arête V5/6 in Black Mountain

Jackie Trejo climbs Moon Drops V5/6 in Black Mountain

If you're new to the slopey lip traverse game, the Moon Drops boulder is a great place to start. The slopers here are not as terrible as other lip traverses on the mountain, and you can certainly technique your way to the finish. Choose your own adventure with two options for the top out: will you go out left or direct?

Jackie Trejo climbs Black Moth Super Rainbow V6 in Black Mountain

Maddy Volo climbs God is Dead V6 in Black Mountain

Bridget Kilgallon climbs the dynamic test piece Visor Center in Black Mountain

Bridget Kilgallon climbs Captain's Junk V6 in Black Mountain

Maddy Volo climbs the classic Cracker Boy V7 in Black Mountain

Maddy Volo climbs Velvet Revolver V8 in Black Mountain

Maddy Volo climbs Sombrero V8 in Black Mountain