Black Mountain Saddle - FS 32E59

Black Mountain Saddle (FS 32E59) branches off Calf Creek and pushes through a grass and pine forest corridor within Sequoia National Forest, much of which bears heavy evidence of the 2021 French Fire. The trail is now a 3-mile out-and-back as the connecting trail at the far end no longer exists, making the terminus a natural turnaround point. Views of Lake Isabella appear along the route, a worthwhile reward for navigating the tight conditions throughout. The trail requires squeezing between numerous downed trees that have been cut but not fully cleared from the path, creating a series of tight pinch points that demand patience and careful maneuvering throughout.