Hikers can find several trails to explore in the hills behind Rancho Peñasquitos, including these two in the Black Mountain Open Space Park.
The Miner’s Ridge Loop Trail is a roughly 2.5-mile moderate loop that follows a well-maintained dirt path, and the Jas Arnold Trail is a 0.2-mile trail that the city of San Diego says is fully accessible according to the Americans with Disabilities Act. Both can be reached from the same Black Mountain Open Space parking lot, so hikers can do both on the same day.
The Black Mountain Open Space is a 2,352-acre park managed by the city of San Diego that is home to critters like rattlesnakes and coyotes as well as plant life like toyon, California sagebrush and prickly pear.
The start of the Miner’s Ridge Loop Trail.
(Maura Fox / The San Diego Union-Tribune)
To begin either hike, park at the trailhead located off Carmel Valley Road. The Miner’s Ridge Loop begins on the eastern side of the parking lot.
Begin walking down the wide, flat dirt path on the left that follows a wooden fence.
Around 0.25 miles, the trail starts to incline and gets rockier, so hikers should make sure to wear comfortable and supportive shoes.
The intersection where the Miner’s Ridge Loop begins.
(Maura Fox / The San Diego Union-Tribune)
Soon, hikers will reach an intersection — this is where the loop starts and ends. Proceed onto the trail that veers to the right, which starts up a steep incline. From here, follow the loop.
Once hikers complete the loop, they’ll return to the previous intersection and can make their way down the main trail and back to the parking lot.
The start of the Jas Arnold Trail.
(Maura Fox / The San Diego Union-Tribune)
Then, hikers can stroll along the Jas Arnold Trail. Opened in 2016, the trail aims to be a natural space that can be accessed by people with mobility issues. A sign at the start declares it “a trail for all people.”
Along the path, hikers will find benches to sit at and enjoy the view.
