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Mount Diablo and the Diablo Range offer an abundance of diverse trails catering to hikers of all experience levels, providing enchanting journeys filled with natural surprises. And right now is the best time to catch some gorgeous waterfalls. 

Don’t expect the majesty of Yosemite’s many water wonders in these parts, but you may find opportunities to connect with the rushing water and possibly encounter the wildlife that follows it. 

Here are a few great hikes on and around Mount Diablo and further south in the Diablo Range. Each route offers spectacular natural aquatic beauty, panoramic views, and varying levels of challenge. 

The Falls Trail (5.1 Miles—Moderate) 

Beginning at Regency Gate, this trail guides hikers through shaded canyons filled with oak and bay laurel trees. During the wet season, visitors can enjoy the several seasonal waterfalls along Donner Creek.

This hike is an extremely popular choice throughout the entire Bay Area because it’s absolutely worth the reward of chasing these waterfalls. 

There are a number of waterfalls in and around this area, so if this route is too strenuous, check out AllTrails for alternate routes. 

Morgan Territory Waterfalls (5.3 Miles—Moderate) 

Morgan Territory Regional Preserve is off the beaten path for many in our area. The park offers extensive views of the Central Valley, Mount Diablo, and other areas.

During our wet season for just a couple of days after a sizeable amount of precipitation, the park becomes a wonderland; its rugged terrain offers some decent waterfalls and streams.

Many of these waterfalls aren’t accessible up close but may be seen from a distance on the Valley View, Manzanita, and Volvon Trails or even from Round Valley from afar. Finding these waterfalls will require some safe exploration on your part.  

Perkins Canyon (4 Miles—Easy) 

Perkins Creek, Mount Diablo State Park. Photo by Scott Hein

You can access Perkins Canyon, which is part of Mount Diablo State Park, via a turnout on Morgan Territory Road. The winter water flows and interesting volcanic geology here are worth the trip. 

You’re likely to see plenty of frogs this time of year, and you’ll probably hear them even over the sounds of cascading water in this little-known oasis. 

Audible Mount Diablo is chock full of some fantastic guides, and its coverage of the Perkins Canyon area on Mount Diablo’s eastern slopes offers an excellent preview of the quieter side of the mountain.  

Madrone Canyon Water Features (2 Miles—Easy) 

Madrone Canyon in Mount Diablo State Park might not be your first choice because it doesn’t offer the same majesty as Mount Diablo’s other waterfalls. 

It does, however, offer a lot: a quick outing with some stunning views and tranquil escapes. 

The abundance of winter water brings with it an abundance of life, so you’ll probably catch a glimpse of some great flora and perhaps some of Mount Diablo’s common fauna on this short trek.  

Little Yosemite at Sunol Wilderness Regional Preserve (2.6 Miles—Easy) 

There’s a lot to love about the Sunol Wilderness Regional Preserve; it’s both easily accessible from much of the San Francisco Bay Area while still being rather remote.

After some good rains when Alameda Creek is flowing strong, Little Yosemite can become a paradise to escape to. There are plenty of ways to reach it, like the short loop we chose here. 

We are so lucky to live in a climate that supports outdoor recreation year-round. Mount Diablo and its sustaining Diablo Range are among some of the best places in the Bay Area to enjoy it—especially when the water is flowing!