We will take our time to enjoy the early spring wildflowers such as milk maids, star lily, saxifrage, blue dicks, baby blue eyes, and shooting star on this moderate hike. We will also identify some of the trees like live oak and Coulter pine as well as the ever-present poison oak.

Be sure to bring plenty of water and a snack, and dress in layers. Sturdy shoes or hiking boots and hiking poles are recommended. Heavy rain cancels. Bathrooms available at the parking lot.

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

Participant Limit: 15 people

Land: Mount Diablo State Park

Rating: Moderate/Strenuous

Distance: 4+ miles

Elevation change: 1,200 feet

Leader: Christine Hagelin, Save Mount Diablo Hike Leader

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.

 

(Photo by Laura Kindsvater)

 

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.

Hike SMD’s beautiful Mangini Ranch Educational Preserve and connect more deeply with nature through a contemplative solo exercise amidst an oak woodland forest with beautiful vistas. Every participant should bring a journal and pen along with appropriate hiking clothing and gear.

Be sure to dress in layers and wear sturdy boots or shoes; bring a notebook, plenty of water, and a snack. Restrooms may not be available

Participant Limit: 25 people

Land: Save Mount Diablo

Rating: Easy/Moderate

Distance: 2 miles

Elevation change: 300 feet

Leader: Ted Clement, Save Mount Diablo Executive Director

Meet: Coralwood Drive, Concord, CA 94521

GPS Coordinates: 37.927126883454754, -121.97219194708067

Directions: From Ygnacio Valley Road, turn south on Crystyl Ranch Drive in Concord. Make a right onto Deer Spring Circle and a second right onto Aspenwood CT. Continue down the road until Coralwood Drive. Coralwood Drive, Concord, CA 94521

(Photo by Ted Clement)

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.

Beautiful rolling hills, a meander through an oak woodland with wildflowers, views of Mt. Diablo, birds, and a lovely small lake near the end of the loop. Be sure to bring plenty of water, a snack, and dress in layers. Sturdy shoes or hiking boots, hiking poles and binoculars are recommended. Heavy rain cancels. No restrooms.

Participant Limit: 20 people

Land: Walnut Creek Open Space, Shell Ridge

Rating: Moderate

Distance: 3.5 miles (this loop hike starts on the “Briones to Mt. Diablo Regional Trail”, makes a turn onto the “Coral Springs Trail”, then onto the “Upper Buck Trail”, then heads downward on the “Deer Lake Trail” and finally follows the “Coral Spring Trail” back to the staging area)

Elevation change: 600 feet

Leader: Jennifer Russell, Save Mount Diablo Hike Leader

Meet: End of Marshall Dr in Walnut Creek, near Indian Valley Elementary School

GPS Coordinates: 37.901577, -122.032075

Directions: From downtown Walnut Creek, take Ygnacio Valley Rd. to Homestead Avenue. Turn right on Homestead and then take the first left onto Marshall Dr. Continue on Marshall until it dead-ends at the Shell Ridge Open Space and park along the road.

 

(Photo by Mary Nagle)

 

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.

A single-track trail with several steep portions, the first at the start which soon becomes a gentle grade. After viewing Camel Rock, we will cross the North Gate paved road and return to our cars via Burma Road and Little Pine Creek Road. We’ll be passing through open areas with beautiful grasses and fine displays of wildflowers as well as chaparral and oak savannah. Be sure to bring plenty of water and a snack, and dress in layers. Sturdy shoes or hiking boots are recommended. Heavy rain cancels.

***There will be a $10 park entrance fee, exact cash is required.

Participant Limit: 15 people

Land: Mount Diablo State Park

Rating: Easy/Moderate

Distance: 3 miles

Elevation change: ~500 feet

Leader: Susan D’Alcamo, Save Mount Diablo Hike Leader

Meet: Camel Rock Trailhead

GPS Coordinates: 37.88520639101789, -121.97770393737552

Directions: Ygnacio Valley Road to Walnut Ave. Follow signs to the North Gate Entrance. Camel Rock trailhead is located on North Gate Road—a little over a mile beyond the entrance kiosk—at the Park boundary marked appropriately with a prominent brown signboard. A wide pull-off at the side of the road provides for adequate parking. To find the trail, cross the road and look for a narrow path climbing steeply to the right. It is clearly posted as the “Camel Rock Trail.”

(Photo by Carl Nielson)

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.

Morgan Territory is many people’s favorite East Bay park, linking Mount Diablo State Park and Los Vaqueros Reservoir. It’s the blue oak-wooded headwaters of Marsh Creek—most of the park is above 2,000 feet, and Highland Ridge is taller than Mount Tamalpais in Marin County. The park is named for the family of settler Jeremiah Morgan, who called the territory “the morning side of the mountain” for its sunrise views. This loop hike provides some of the most expansive views from Morgan Territory Preserve, including glimpses of Mount Diablo, a portion of the Sacramento River drainage, and Los Vaqueros Reservoir. 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 are available at the parking lot.

Participant Limit: 20 people

Land: East Bay Regional Park District

Rating: Moderate

Distance: 5.1 miles

Elevation change: 974’

Leader: Steve & Carolyn Balling, Save Mount Diablo Volunteer Hike Leaders

Meet: Morgan Territory Staging Area, 9401 Morgan Territory Rd, Livermore, CA 94551

GPS Coordinates: 37.818732043227264, -121.79584231564314

Directions: From I-580 in Livermore, exit onto N. Livermore Ave., and turn north. Shortly after N. Livermore curves left and becomes Manning Rd (west), turn right onto Morgan Territory Rd and follow it for about 5.5 miles to the staging area, which will be on the right-hand side of the road. From Walnut Creek/Concord, take Clayton Rd to Marsh Creek Rd, then turn right onto Morgan Territory Rd. The staging area is 9.4 miles from March Creek Rd on the left-hand side.

(Photo by Jean Vieth)

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.

Mount Diablo Bird Alliance and Save Mount Diablo are partnering up for a hike in gorgeous Mitchell Canyon in Mount Diablo State Park. This hike provides birders with a large public area in which to explore birds of several habitats (including chaparral, riparian, oak woodlands, grassland, and rock outcrops). Over 200 bird species have been sighted on the mountain, and it is well known to birders for its superb examples of chaparral birds, spring migrants, and numerous raptors. Highlights of last year’s trip included seven warbler species, Lazuli bunting, a pair of golden eagles, Hammond’s flycatcher, California thrasher, and many others. If we’re really lucky we may have a chance at Bell’s Sparrow and Phainopepla. Black-chinned sparrow has been recorded at this site in the past. We’ll mostly walk on dirt fire roads, but a portion will be on a single-track trail. Be prepared for a range between flat terrain, lengthy gentle slopes, and short but steep uphill parts. Click here for eBird records from the site. Hat, sunscreen, water, and snack are recommended. Camera and hiking poles are optional.

Be sure to dress in layers and wear sturdy boots or shoes; bring plenty of water, binoculars (if you have them) sunscreen, and a snack. 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: Moderate

Distance: 3 miles

Elevation change: 200 feet

Leader: Juan Pablo Galvan, Senior Land Use Manager for Save Mount Diablo & Conservation Chair for Mt Diablo Bird Alliance

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.

(Photo by Maren Smith)

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.

Walk along beautiful Pine Creek and marvel at the magnificent rock formations and wildflowers. Bring binoculars to look for soaring peregrines. There are four creek crossings where hiking poles are very helpful if wet conditions. Be sure to bring plenty of water and a snack, and dress in layers. Sturdy shoes or hiking boots are recommended. Heavy rain cancels.

Participant Limit: 20 people

Land: East Bay Regional Parks District

Rating: Easy/Moderate

Distance: 3 miles

Elevation change:

Leader: Jennifer Russell, Save Mount Diablo Hike Leader

Meet: Orchard Staging Area Parking Lot in the Diablo Foothills Regional Park

1700 Castle Rock Rd, Walnut Creek, CA 94598

GPS Coordinates: 37.89092303995453, -121.99302381639912

Directions: Take Ygnacio Valley Rd. in Walnut Creek, right on Walnut Blvd., right on Castle Rock Road to parking area.

(Photo by Jennifer Russell)

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.

Join us for a meander around the base of Mount Diablo to explore the medicinal plants growing along the trails at Mitchell Canyon. We will talk about the modern-day uses of the plants we see and discover some of the diversity that this abundant ecosystem holds. The walk will begin in the native plant garden at the Mitchell Canyon Visitor Center, where we will start our journey into the world of local medicinal herbs and their wonder/magic. Be sure to bring plenty of water and a snack, and dress in layers. 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: 20 people

Land: Mount Diablo State Park

Rating: Easy

Distance: 2 miles

Elevation change: 200 feet

Leader: Anna Marie Beauchemin, RH(AHG) Herbalist and Educator, East Bay Herbals & Save Mount Diablo Hike Leader

Meet: Mitchell Canyon Interpretive Center parking area, Clayton, CA

GPS Coordinates:

Directions: From I-680, head east on Ygnacio Valley Road for 7.5 miles, then turn right on Clayton Road. Continue on Clayton Road, take a right on Mitchell Canyon Road, and follow it to the end.

(Photo by Haley Sutton)

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.

Have you ever wondered about the many species of organisms that inhabit our world beyond the sidewalks and streets? This is the hike for you! Wonder and wander now with us while we explore along Curry Creek in the stunning Curry Canyon Ranch and into Mount Diablo State Park. We may see: Birds – Western Bluebirds, and several species of Warblers and Sparrows; Butterflies – Skippers, Blues, Tortoiseshells, Crescents, and Whites; Blooms – Delphiniums, Shooting Stars, Milkmaids, Blue Dicks, and Buttercups; and maybe Bobcat and native Bees. You won’t be disappointed if you have an inquisitive mind.

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

This hike is limited to 20 participants.

Land: Save Mount Diablo

Rating: Easy

Distance: 4 miles

Elevation change: 300′

Leader: Dan Fitzgerald, Save Mount Diablo Volunteer Hike Leader

Meet: 3500 Curry Canyon Rd, Clayton, CA

GPS Coordinates: 37.866193, -121.881976

Directions: From Ygnacio Valley Road, take a right onto Clayton Road, which becomes Marsh Creek Road. Follow Marsh Creek Road, then take a right onto Morgan Territory Road. Take a final right on Curry Canyon Road and go about 1.7 miles to 3500 Curry Canyon Road.

Note: Google Maps may tell you to make a U-turn once you are on Curry Canyon Road. Please ignore this and keep following the main road, you are going the correct way! Curry Canyon Road will also become a gravel road when you are almost to the property, do not be discouraged, you are still going the correct way! Lastly, there are many Private Property and No Trespassing Signs along the road, do not fret, as long as you stay on the main road you are still going the correct way!

(Photo by Laura Kindsvater)

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.

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.