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Explore the heart of the Diablo Range on this rugged and stunning hike as you travel up Del Puerto Canyon’s hills.

Distance: Five miles

Elevation gain: 1,000 feet

Difficulty: Strenuous

Travel time: Three to four hours

Trail surface: Dirt

Best season: Spring and winter

Managing agencies: Stanislaus County Parks and Recreation

Address: Frank Raines Regional Park–Minniear Day Use Area, Patterson, CA 95363

Trailhead location: 37.424484, -121.342657

Parking: No fee

Description:

The first part of the hike will require you to cross Del Puerto Creek, so prepare to get your feet wet.

Next,  you’ll get a nice uphill workout for roughly the next two miles, which will end atop the valley’s ridge.

Take a moment to enjoy the view. On clear days, you’ll be able to see an awe-inspiring panorama that stretches far beyond Del Puerto Canyon.

As you travel through along the trail, keep an eye out for rare plants and animals; Del Puerto is one of the Diablo Range’s most biodiverse areas, in part thanks to the area’s serpentine soils.

This is a hike with little shade, so make sure to bring plenty of sun protection and water.

Del Puerto Canyon is part of the territory of the Hoyumne and Miumne Yokuts.

Histortically, Del Puerto was where outlaw Joaquin Murietta fled from law enforcement, using trails first created by Native Americans.

Each year, we host a free Discover Diablo hike on this trail. It’s a fantastic way to connect with our conservation community as we explore this special place together.

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