This walk is all about wellness – a chance to slow down and clear your mind. Give yourself permission to take a break and immerse in the natural beauty. And if you’re looking for a unique way to celebrate Mother’s Day – bring mom along!

Forest immersion is a growing wellness practice that involves taking a guided walk in a natural setting to help reduce stress and anxiety and boost your health. Research shows that a 2-hour walk can lead to better heart health, improved blood pressure, a boost of creative thinking, or simply a sense of feeling relaxed and at ease.

Whether you’re a seasoned hiker or just getting started, this walk is for everyone. While we will have a 1-mile hike to our location with some uphill sections, we will take it slow. Once we arrive, it’s time to slow down, relax, and savor your surroundings!

Please arrive early to allow time for parking and using the restroom, if needed. Restroom facilities are only available at our meeting location/Visitor’s Center.

What happens during the walk?
A forest immersion walk involves taking a slow, meditative walk through a natural setting. The guide’s role is to offer ways for attendees to interact with the natural surroundings and to help them slow down, both physically and mentally. The walk will consist of a general introduction by the guide, several invitations/activities to encourage relaxation, an optional opportunity to share with fellow attendees, and wrap up with a shared snack.

What will the guide provide?
The guide will have some sit pads, hand sanitizer, sunblock, a first aid kit, and some snacks available. The guide is also certified in CPR and Wilderness First Aid, should a need arise.

What should I wear/bring?
Dress in layers and bring a warm jacket/hat (if a cooler morning)

Sunglasses and a sun hat

Water and personal snack

A portable chair (if sitting on the ground is not preferable)

An epi pen or any other vital medicine

A small blanket (optional, for warmth or laying down)

An open and welcoming attitude

Sturdy shoes or hiking boots are recommended. Heavy rain cancels.

***There will be a $6 park entrance fee (exact amount in cash required)

Participant Limit: 12 people

Land: Mount Diablo State Park

Rating: Easy/Moderate

Distance: 1.6 miles

Elevation change: ~200 feet

Leader: Anya Starovoytov of Viburnum Forest Immersion. Anya is a forest bathing guide certified by the Association of Nature and Forest Therapy (ANFT) and has guided walks in the East Bay and Sonoma County. You can learn more about her and forest immersion walks on her website: https://www.viburnumfi.com/about-forest-immersion

Meet: Mitchell Canyon Staging Area, 96 Mitchell Canyon Rd, Clayton, CA 94517

GPS Coordinates: 37.920533, -121.941576

Directions: From Clayton Road you will turn onto Mitchell Canyon Road and drive approximately 1.7 miles south until you arrive at the Staging Area gate. if you do not have a State Parks Pass, please be sure to bring cash and fill out a fee envelope at the gate ($6 per vehicle fee). You will then proceed down the road into the parking lot. More parking is also available in a lower lot if you keep driving past the Visitor’s Center and through upper parking. I will meet you near the Visitor’s Center stairs so come find me there once you park!

(Photo by Scott Hein)

FAQs

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 reach out to discoverdiablo@savemountdiablo.org.

How can I contact the organizer with any questions?

You can contact us at discoverdiablo@savemountdiablo.org.