- Black Mountain Hiking Section - Skyline and Upper WunderlichNeeds location
Level: Moderate approximately 7 miles 900 feet elevation gain (2A)
Meet: Meet at the roadside parking area on Skyline about one-half mile north of the El Corte de Madera main parking lot. 37.404594, -122.301386. This is a relatively small area, so, I suggest participants who are not already in a carpool meet at 8:50 am at the parking lot behind the Pioneer Hotel in Woodside to self-arrange carpools. Carpool transportation is at the sole risk of the participants. Leader will stop there if any participants indicate an interest. There is no day use fee and no toilet at the parking area. Vault toilet available at main El Corte de Madera lot, so you may want to allow a few extra minutes to stop there before the hike. No water at either parking area, so be sure to bring plenty with you.
Description: This is a mostly shaded lollipop loop that has both ups and downs throughout the hike, with some views out over the bay. We will be hiking through second-growth redwoods, which have grown up after the area was logged over 100 years ago, as well as mixed evergreen forest, which covers much of the area. Here trees, such as tanbark oak, madrones, California laurel, coast live oak, and Douglas-fir are dominant. Beneath the trees are many shrubs, including sticky monkey flower, wild lilac, toyon, wood rose, and poison oak. The area is also home to wildlife, including Black-tailed deer, raccoons, black squirrels and, less commonly, bobcats, coyotes and grey foxes. Common birds include acorn woodpeckers, chickadees, towhees, and Stellar jays. We may also see evidence of recent fire mitigation work/ clearing. The route is mostly shaded but there are a few open stretches. Leader will have cold drinks after the hike, but there's not a picnic spot.
Wear/bring: sturdy hiking boots/shoes, at least 1 L. water, layered clothing, snacks/lunch, sun protection, hiking poles.
Signup Instructions:
- Signup for this hike via Sierra Club site ONLY (Meetup site is for people to coordinate carpool amongst themselves only. Carpool transportation is at the sole risk of the participants.)
- Please provide emergency contact name and phone number as well as your email and phone contact information when you signup
Sierra Club guide for our hike outings: Neither vaccinations nor masks are required. But if you are experiencing any COVID symptoms, are sick, or have recently tested positive for COVID do not hike with us on this day. Every participant is responsible for reporting these conditions to the leader if symptoms develop after the hike. We will then notify the other participants.
Cancellation conditions:
Hike may be cancelled due to steady rain, excessive heat, or poor air quality
