High on the western slopes of Black Mountain in the vicinity of Hall Canyon, a rather inconspicuous vale one the western side of the San Jacinto Mountains, live true wonders. Here growing over two-hundred miles south of their native range, a mature and expanding grove of Giant Sequoia (Sequoiadendron giganteum) unbeknownst to most Southern Californians, thrives. Along the way, the hiker experiences first hand the robust individuals of this ancient species, as well as plenty of solitude on this seldom used steep trail. Starting in montane chaparral, traveling through mid-elevation coniferous forest, before reaching the summit with its active fire lookout tower, this trip offers hikers with an interest in botany and natural adaptation, a rare opportunity to delight in this fascinating part of the wonders of creation.
Stats:
Category: Strenuous
Miles: 7.5
Elevation Gain: 2,800'
Location: San Bernardino National Forest
Hall Canyon Sequoia Research: http://scholarship.claremont.edu/aliso/vol30/iss1/4/
The Trail: From the
Planted in 1974 following a devastating wildfire, young saplings were planted in a small area with the intention of returning the mountain to pre-fire vegetative conditions. Since the 1990's, a few botanists became enamored with not only the sustainability of this collection of trees, but their ability to thrive in a range so foreign to what was previously thought friendly to the species. Today, nearly 160 individuals can be seen over many acres along the Black Mountain Trail in the Mixed-Conifer forest, in elevations from 6,300' to over 7,000', forming in some places thick groves of mature trees.
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