(Photo by Sean Burke) 

Come join Save Mount Diablo on an exploration into the heart of the Diablo Range. Enjoy amazing views of steep rugged hillsides, beautiful wildflowers, soaring raptors, and the damage from the SCU Lightning Complex.

We will meet near the Minniear Day Use area, 13.8 miles down DPC road from highway 5. This public reserve is open to the public 1/2 hour before sunrise and 1/2 hour before sunset. There we will hike along Del Puerto Creek before climbing the scorched hillsides if the area, padding serpentine and quartz outcroppings on our way toward the summit. From there we will be awarded with stunning views of the western Sierra Nevada, as well as the surrounding peaks. On this hike we will truly get a flavor as to the impact the SCU Lightning Complex had on the canyon, seeing and smelling the areas impacted as well as those that were not.

IMPORTANT NOTE: This hike involves a steep incline

Be sure to bring plenty of water and a snack, and dress in layers. Sturdy shoes or hiking boots are recommended. Heavy rain cancels.

Restrooms not available on the site, but are available a few miles away at the Frank Raines OHV camping entrance.

All participants must bring a mask and stay 6ft apart. Hand sanitizer will be available at the hike.

Participants will also be required to accept our COVID-19 Protocol (available during registration).

This event is limited to 15 participants.

Land: Stanislaus County

Rating: Moderately Strenuous

Distance: 5 miles

Elevation change: 2,000’

Leader: Sean Burke, Save Mount Diablo Land Programs Director

Meet: At a pull out near the Minniear Day Use Area at Frank Raines Park

Directions (GPS Coordinates – enter into Google Maps):

37°25’28.1″N 121°20’33.5″W

The meeting spot is at a pull out right off the road (on the left hand side headed eastward). The pull out is 2.6 miles east of the main Frank Raines OHV Park entrance (about a 5 minute drive). Google Map Directions (beginning at Frank Raines OHV Park)

The red circle on the Google Maps screenshot below is the meeting site.

FAQs

When does registration open for this event?

Each Discover Diablo event opens up for registration exactly 2 months before the day of the event at 10AM. All events are first come, first serve.  

Are dogs allowed on Discover Diablo hikes?

No. Some Discover Diablo hikes take place on land owned by other organizations (such as Mount Diablo State Park & East Bay Regional Park lands) and many of the trails on these properties have a strict no-dog policy. 

Are there ID or minimum age requirements to enter the event?

Anyone under the age of 18 will need to be accompanied by a parent or guardian. 

Do I have to bring my printed ticket to the event?

No. On the hike day, we will have a roster with your registration information on it. Please make sure to check in with the hike leader.

Can I update my registration information?

Yes. If you would like to change anything, please contact Denise Castro at dcastro@savemountdiablo.org 

How can I contact the organizer with any questions?

You can reach Denise Castro, Outreach & Education Associate, at dcastro@savemountdiablo.org