Black Mountain

Black Mountain rises out of the middle of Rancho Peñasquitos, one of San Diego's biggest chunks of open space and an easy, close-to-home summit. The Nighthawk Trail climbs steadily through chaparral and coastal sage scrub, well-maintained and shared with plenty of other hikers, runners, and mountain bikers out enjoying the same clear day.

A couple of wooden benches along the ridge made for good excuses to stop and take in the view before the final push — rolling valley, distant rooftops, and hills stretching out in every direction. The true summit is marked with a simple wooden sign reading 'Black Mountain, 1554 Feet,' tucked next to a small cluster of antennas at the high point.

A short, satisfying hike for a Tuesday — steady rather than steep, with enough open-valley views along the way to make the climb worth it, and a good bench at the top to sit and enjoy a snack before heading back down.