Join us on a nature hike up historic Mitchell Canyon to enjoy a multitude of spring flowers and shrubs. Our wildflower saunter will follow in the footsteps and paw prints of 19th-century explorer David Douglas and his faithful dog, Billy. As we walk up Mitchell Canyon, we'll search for many of the flowers collected by the dynamic duo, including Mariposa Lilies, Baby Blue Eyes, Chinese Houses, and the endemic Mount Diablo Fairy Lantern.

This is a moderate 4-mile round trip hike with a couple hundred feet in elevation change. There is an option for an easier 2-mile roundtrip hike.

Bring water and snacks. Dress in layers and wear good hiking shoes. Bring hiking poles if you normally use them. When Billy the terrier visited in 1831, man's best friend was allowed to rove on Mount Diablo. Dogs aren’t allowed on park trails nowadays, so leave your canine friends at home. Rain cancels. 

Sponsored by California State Parks and Greenbelt Alliance