Black Mountain, Mountain summit in Santa Clara County, California, US
Black Mountain is a summit in the Santa Cruz Mountains west of San Francisco, reaching about 2,800 feet above sea level. It forms part of a ridge system that serves as a watershed for several streams flowing down to the valley below.
The area around Black Mountain saw early agricultural development in the 1800s, including a winery founded by Italian settlers. Traces of this period remain visible in the landscape today.
Three significant waterways originate from Black Mountain: Stevens Creek, Adobe Creek, and Permanente Creek, each contributing to the local water infrastructure.
A hiking trail of about 2.5 miles leads from the Monte Bello parking area to the summit and requires moderate fitness. The path is clearly marked, though the climb is steady and demands good breathing capacity.
Broadcasting stations operated by Stanford University and the Federal Aviation Administration sit atop the summit. Many hikers pass by these structures without noticing their presence or purpose.
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