This Black Butte Trail and the Glacier Point 4 Mile Trail in Yosemite are my favorite trails of all time. Great views throughout the entire Black Butte Trail. The trail is 5 1/2 miles round-trip. But you don't have to do the whole thing to soak in the views. Black Butte is a small composite volcano that sits next to Interstate 5 and is about 2,000 ft high. It is not a cinder cone. The dirt access road to the trailhead is not well marked. It is also extremely bumpy. Most 2WD vehicles will make it. Stay of the main road (where the most traffic has been) and you'll be fine. When you get to the yellow gate, turn left and drive up until you reach the parking area. There is no restroom. The trail is steep but those in shape will have no trouble. You must wear hiking boots or sturdy shoes as trail is rugged. Seniors and those not in good shape should take their time and allow for plenty of rests. Bring lots and lots of water or Gatorade. In the summer, be on the trail early, like around sunrise, as the temperatures will be blazing hot later. In winter, you'll need crampons and an ice axe. In spring and fall, wear layers including a wind shell as it can be really windy at the top. The first part is somewhat forested. The middle part (in the canyon) is full of rocks and boulders and require a little rock hopping. Later, there is a collapse of a rock retaining wall and so take care in that area. The trail can get slick near the top. Views from the top are amazing. Wear sunscreen!!!
All USA
This Black Butte Trail and the Glacier Point 4 Mile Trail in Yosemite are my favorite trails of all time. Great views throughout the entire Black Butte Trail. The trail is 5 1/2 miles round-trip. But you don't have to do the whole thing to soak in the views. Black Butte is a small composite volcano that sits next to Interstate 5 and is about 2,000 ft high. It is not a cinder cone. The dirt access road to the trailhead is not well marked. It is also extremely bumpy. Most 2WD vehicles will make it. Stay of the main road (where the most traffic has been) and you'll be fine. When you get to the yellow gate, turn left and drive up until you reach the parking area. There is no restroom. The trail is steep but those in shape will have no trouble. You must wear hiking boots or sturdy shoes as trail is rugged. Seniors and those not in good shape should take their time and allow for plenty of rests. Bring lots and lots of water or Gatorade. In the summer, be on the trail early, like around sunrise, as the temperatures will be blazing hot later. In winter, you'll need crampons and an ice axe. In spring and fall, wear layers including a wind shell as it can be really windy at the top. The first part is somewhat forested. The middle part (in the canyon) is full of rocks and boulders and require a little rock hopping. Later, there is a collapse of a rock retaining wall and so take care in that area. The trail can get slick near the top. Views from the top are amazing. Wear sunscreen!!!