Mt. Diablo's unusual geology provides a chance to look into the distant past. Like chapters in a book, the layered rocks tell stories of the various landscapes, climates, and life forms that once existed here. Other rocks, upthrust and jumbled, tell about their own epic journeys and about the titanic forces that must have played upon their history.

The TREK THROUGH TIME outlines a Fascinating plot. The interpretive stops are designed to help trekkers read the geologic tales written in the rocks they pass on their hundred million year journey through time.

This journey will explore the prominent geological features of Mt Diablo, beginning in the 50 million year old Eocene age sandstone of Rock City with fantastic erosion features including the so-called Wind Caves. Trekkers will walk past fossil bearing rocks containing coiled Turritella shells indicating that at one time this area was covered by shallow seas. Further up the mountain the trail passes over ancient sea-floor rocks over 150 million years old. These rocks tell Mt. Diablo's earliest story, back in the time when dinosaurs ruled the earth. Participants will have the opportunity to learn about the clues of how Mt. Diablo was finally uplifted and took its present form.

Along the trail you will experience one of the grandest panoramas in California. On a clear day the view extends from the Sierra crest to the sea-swept Farallon Islands beyond the Golden Gate. Changes in plant and animal habitats will become evident, reflecting the effects of altitude, climate and changing soils.

There WILL be an opportunity to talk with knowledgeable people at many of the interpretive stops, providing natural history information on the geology, Paleontology and plant communities. There will be an exhibit provided by the Lindsay Museum on mountain wildlife. Since the lower part of the trail from the Blackhawk Quarry to Rock City has yet to be built, participants will get a chance to look at some of the fossils from that famous quarry in an exhibit provided by the Museum at Blackhawk and UCMP. These fossils tell the story of a time 9 million years ago when saber-tooth cats, camels, an unusual mastodon GOMPHOTHERIUM, and other exotic mammals roamed a savanna and open woodland habitat. There will also be information on other mountain's trails, presentation of plans for a new astronomical observatory, and answers about horseback riding and biking, as well as the mountain's more recent hi-story.

Expect a warm day and a strenuous hike for those who plan to walk the four miles to the summit, or a more moderate hike to the Sunset Picnic area. There will be rest stops along the way providing shade and refreshments for sale, but bring along sun protection and plenty of drinking water. Restrooms are located at Rock City, Sunset Picnic area, Juniper Campground, and at the summit. Parking is available near the starting point at Rock City and there will be shuttle bus transportation from Rock City to and from the summit the Juniper Campground and Sunset Picnic area.

The TREK THROUGH TIME sponsors are represented by Judy Scotchmoor from to UC Museum of Paleontology; Jess Cooper, supervising ranger from Mt. Diablo State Park; Ken Lavin from the Mount Diablo Interpretive Association; and Stan Hitomi from Monte Vista High School.

Unfortunately not everyone is able to join us on the Trek through Time, nor to experience the beauties that await along the trails of Mt. Diablo. UCMP and MVHS are working on a project that will not only increase public awareness of the unique geologic history of the area, but will also make Mt. Diablo more accessible to others. As the physical Trail through Time is being built on Mt. Diablo, there will be a Virtual Trail built on the World Wide Web.

Students at MVHS are working in collaboration with graduate student mentors from UC to research and document various aspects of the trail. These will be published on the WWW as part of UCMP's California Natural History Project.

The idea for the "Trail Through Time" was originated by Jere Lipps, Director of the UC Museum of Paleontology. Dr. Lipps feels that "it gives visitors to Mt. Diablo a perspective on the enormity of time and the grandeur of the development of the landscape as they walk through 150 million years of Geologic history." Local volunteer organizations such as MDIA, and the Lindsay Museum as well as the UCMP and Jepson Herbarium, Mount Diablo State Park, the Museum at Blackhawk, and MVHS have all joined together to make the trail a reality. Hopefully, other organizations will join the project as major supporters. It is the intent of the designers that the future "Trail Through Time", that becomes an exceptional and rewarding educational experience for all ages - groups and individuals alike and a showcase for others to emulate.

Judy Adler, Trek'96 Coordinator, is looking forward to the September event. "Based upon the great success of last years event, we are doing it again. The trek is great for families, youth groups, groups of friends, teachers and others who want to learn more about Mt. Diablo. The fees this year are $20 per person and student fees are $15 each. The event fee includes park admission, a special 'Trek'96' tee-shirt and shuttle service. There will be two arrival times, 7:30 and 9:30 AM. Please join us for a great day!

For more information, please can call Judy Adler at (510) 937-3044. To participate, complete the registration form, cut out and mail to: Trek Through Time '96, c/o Museum of Paleontology, University of California, Berkeley, CA 94720-4780. Make checks payable to: UC Regents - Trail Through Time.