The Best Boulder Problems in Black Mountain: Ranked

Tucked high in the San Jacinto Mountains, Black Mountain is one of Southern California’s most iconic granite bouldering areas. Known for its crisp friction, historic lines, and quiet forest setting, it’s a must-visit for climbers of all levels. From legendary test pieces to beginner-friendly classics, Black offers a proud collection of problems that showcase its rich history and quality stone. Here are 10 of the most popular and must-try boulders at Black Mountain.

Check out our complete Black Mountain travel guide to learn more about the area! Or, check out the full video on YouTube!

10. Electric Lady V5, Yellow Post Sites 4/5

Electric Lady, v5
Electric Lady v5, Black Mountain. 33 ascents logged, 4.2/5 rating , 9 beta videos – Start sitting on opposing features and climb through faint holds up the face. – View more climbs and beta videos for Yellow Post Sites 4/5, Black Mountain on KAYA.

Start sitting on opposing features and climb through faint holds up the face.

9. Saddle Traverse V4, The Summit

Saddle Traverse, v4
Saddle Traverse v4, Black Mountain. 40 ascents logged, 4.3/5 rating , 8 beta videos – Start matched on a large knobby feature in the short overhang, make a move to the lip and traverse right to the apex of the boulder. – View more climbs and beta videos for The Summit, Black Mountain on KAYA.

Start matched on a large knobby feature in the short overhang, make a move to the lip and traverse right to the apex of the boulder.

8. Once Upon A Time V3, The Summit

Once Upon a Time, v3
Once Upon a Time v3, Black Mountain. 36 ascents logged, 5.0/5 rating , 7 beta videos – Climb the flying saucer shaped boulder starting high on the overhangand trend right through patina jugs to the lip. A fall from this boulder is not recommended.

If you want to get some air under your feet, check out this classic and often photographed highball. It’s probably soft, but this is not a boulder to fall on.

7. Can Opener V7, The Summit

Can Opener, v7
Can Opener v7, Black Mountain. 44 ascents logged, 3.3/5 rating , 11 beta videos – Start on the right side of the horizontal crack and climb though small crimps and big moves over the bulge. – View more climbs and beta videos for The Summit, Black Mountain on KAYA.

Start on the right side of the horizontal crack and climb through small crimps and big moves over the bulge.

6. NRA V6, The Summit

NRA, v6
NRA v6, Black Mountain. 42 ascents logged, 3.3/5 rating , 9 beta videos – Start on a sloping scoops and move through pinches and slopers to a sharp jug at the lip. – View more climbs and beta videos for The Summit, Black Mountain on KAYA.

Start on the obvious jugs and take your pick between a juggy knee-bar or a funky foot-first sequence.

5. The Chief V4, Yellow Post Sites 4/5

The Chief, v4
The Chief v4, Black Mountain. 44 ascents logged, 4.5/5 rating , 14 beta videos – Start on opposing crimps and climb through the delicate face, finishing left. – View more climbs and beta videos for Yellow Post Sites 4/5, Black Mountain on KAYA.

Start on opposing crimps and climb through the delicate face, finishing left.

4. OK Problem, OK Corral

OK Problem, v4
OK Problem v4, Black Mountain. 61 ascents logged, 3.8/5 rating , 18 beta videos – Start on left hand on a high patina jug on the right arete and trend left to more patina crimps and jugs. – View more climbs and beta videos for OK Corral, Black Mountain on KAYA.

Start on a left-hand patina jug on the right arete and trend left to more patina crimps and jugs.

3. Gypsy’s Day Out V4, Boulder Basin

Gypsy’s Day Out, v4
Gypsy’s Day Out v4, Black Mountain. 63 ascents logged, 3.9/5 rating , 16 beta videos – Start low on a right facing jug in the crack. Follow the crack through powerful moves up the face. – View more climbs and beta videos for Boulder Basin, Black Mountain on KAYA.

Start low on a right-facing jug in the crack, then follow the crack through powerful moves up the face. A must-do for intermediate climbers looking for classic, sustained movement on featured stone.

2. Tour De France V7, Boulder Basin

Tour de France, v7
Tour de France v7, Black Mountain. 63 ascents logged, 4.5/5 rating , 20 beta videos – Start high squeezing the two diagonal seams and make a precise move to a juggy slot. Trend right through good crimps to the sloping top. – View more climbs and beta videos for Boulder Basin, Black Mountain on KAYA.

Start high, squeezing the diagonal seams and making a precise move to a juggy slot. Finish with good crimps to a deceivingly difficult slopey topout.

1. Center Visor, The Summit

Center Visor, v6
Center Visor v6, Black Mountain. 88 ascents logged, 4.2/5 rating , 29 beta videos – Start in the horizontal seam in the back of the overhang and climb through patina crimps, eventually getting the jugs at the lip. Climb straight over the bulge with a funky topout.

Start in the horizontal seam in the back of the overhang and climb through patina crimps, eventually getting the jugs at the lip. Climb straight over the bulge with a funky topout.