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Falls Trail Hike Steve Smith, MDIA President Hike of the Month, March 2024 eNewsletter March 1, 2024 Scott Hein It's that time of year again when the Winter rains have had a chance to fill up our mountain springs and creeks. As all of that water cascades down the mountain, one of the best features to explore are our waterfalls. This is a gorgeous hike no matter the time of year but made special by the sights and sounds of the rushing waters above, below and through the Falls Trail. Due to the popularity of this trail on weekends, if you can experience this during the week you will have it all to yourself. There are so many ways to get there, but this is my favorite. Starting from Mitchell Canyon Road make your first left on Oak Road and continue slight right as it becomes Coulter Pine Trail. At its terminus hang a right up Bruce Lee Road and then make a tricky creek crossing. Then head right up Back Creek Trail, another gorgeous site. Make your first left onto Tickwood Trail and enjoy a journey through grassland, woodland, and chaparral before ending at Donner Canyon Road. Take a right and climb up the wide road to its terminus, turning right on Meridian Ridge Road and then a hidden left onto Middle Trail. Hike among the gorgeous chaparral as you search out some lovely wildflowers along the way. At the junction continue straight onto Falls Trail and wind your way up and down some steep grades, pausing to admire rushing streams and the roar of water above. Keep checking your view as the triplet of falls comes into view. Continue around for a mile as you negotiate the rocky terrain and check over your shoulder often for the quintessential view of all three falls. Once at the end, turn right on Cardinet Oaks briefly then a left and down Wasserman Trail for a journey through chaparral, pine forests, oak woodlands and eventually riparian habitats as you near Donner Creek. At the junction turn left on Donner Trail and head down to the creek, you may be ankle-deep crossing it. At the next junction turn right on Hetherington until crossing the creek again. At the main trail turn right onto Donner Canyon Road. Continue to a left on Murchio Road across the meadows, sure to be loaded with flowers. At its terminus turn right on Watertower Road, then left on Bruce Lee Trail, a small single track down the hillside. Re-enter the parking lot (you're now in the lower lot) and head back to your vehicle. This adventure takes you 7.3 miles and 1500 feet of climbing and is guaranteed to wow you. Map of Falls Trail Hike.jpg Falls Trail Hikers by Steve Smith Wasserman Trail by Steve Smith Moist Landscape by Steve Smith Coulter Pine Trail by Steve Smith BACK TO LIST

Contact Us Mount Diablo Interpretive Association P.O. Box 346 Walnut Creek, CA 94597-0346 925-927-7222 Sign up here to be on our official mailing list. Success! Message received. Send

MDIA Newsletters eNewsletters Sign Up Now Sign up for MDIA's eNewsletter for updates about park events and opportunities to get involved. August 2025 e-newsletter (pdf) March 2025 e-newsletter (pdf) December 2024 e-newsletter (pdf) September 2024 e-newsletter (pdf) June 2024 e-newsletter (pdf) March 2024 e-newsletter (pdf) Diablo Peak | Chris Benton Mount Diablo Review The Mount Diablo Review has a NEW format and is now updated annually. The newsletter offers points of interest, a park map, camping information, and more. 2025 Annual Edition PDF 2024 Annual Edition PDF 2023 Fall-Winter PDF 2023 Spring-Summer PDF 2022 Fall-Winter PDF 2022 Spring-Summer PDF

Mount Diablo State Park Ten Demanding Hikes Frank Valle-Riestra Here are ten hikes for the experienced hiker and outdoors person. Each one represents a physical challenge, but the ultimate purpose of inviting you to try them out is not to test your endurance nor to ask you to establish timing records, but to open up for your pleasure some of the hidden beauty spots on the mountain. Indeed. the length of the trails allows the exploration of areas far removed from access roads, and most of the suggested hikes are loop trips which are facilitated by the longer distances. There is no potable water on these trails, and you should carry drinks with you. Many of the trails are narrow and may not have been recently cleared, and you may run across poison oak. If you think you are susceptible, it is best to protect your limbs with appropriate clothing. Such protection also comes in handy in keeping away ticks. And keep in mind that in summer the mountain gets pretty hot in the sun, so carry some headgear. In all other seasons, carry at least a light jacket to ward off chill winds that can arise suddenly. The Trail Map of Mount Diablo State Park and the Hikers Guide to Mount Diablo State Park are available at the MDIA Online Store as well as other interesting publications and items related to Mount Diablo. The trail map is also available at either the North Gate or South Gate Entrance Stations, the Summit Visitor Center, and the Mitchell Canyon Visitor Center. Also, be sure you know how to read trail signs on Mount Diablo . 3 cups Blueberries Mount Diablo State Park Ten Demanding Hikes Frank Valle-Riestra Here are ten hikes for the experienced hiker and outdoors person. Each one represents a physical challenge, but the ultimate purpose of inviting you to try them out is not to test your endurance nor to ask you to establish timing records, but to open up for your pleasure some of the hidden beauty spots on the mountain. Indeed. the length of the trails allows the exploration of areas far removed from access roads, and most of the suggested hikes are loop trips which are facilitated by the longer distances. There is no potable water on these trails, and you should carry drinks with you. Many of the trails are narrow and may not have been recently cleared, and you may run across poison oak. If you think you are susceptible, it is best to protect your limbs with appropriate clothing. Such protection also comes in handy in keeping away ticks. And keep in mind that in summer the mountain gets pretty hot in the sun, so carry some headgear. In all other seasons, carry at least a light jacket to ward off chill winds that can arise suddenly. The Trail Map of Mount Diablo State Park and the Hikers Guide to Mount Diablo State Park are available at the MDIA Online Store as well as other interesting publications and items related to Mount Diablo. The trail map is also available at either the North Gate or South Gate Entrance Stations, the Summit Visitor Center, and the Mitchell Canyon Visitor Center. Also, be sure you know how to read trail signs on Mount Diablo . Trail Name Scenic Views Wildflowers Riparian Flora Birds History Fauna Butterflies Geology Interest Mitchell Canyon to Summit X X X Oyster Pt From Curry Pt X X X Mount Olympia via Middle Trail X X X X Wall Point - Pine Canyon Loop X X X X Pine Pond - Frog Pond Loop X X X X Burma Road Loop X X X X X Grand Loop X X X X Oyster Point via Riggs Canyon X X X X Mount Olympia from Three Springs X X X Eagle Peak from Mitchell Canyon X X X X 10 Demanding Hikes Hike Features TRAILHEAD: TRAIL STATISTICS: Mitchell Canyon to Summit Loop Mitchell Canyon to Summit (Loop) 1 TRAILHEAD: End of paved part of Mitchell Canyon Road, north entrance to park near the town of Clayton. Park in staging area (water and toilets) -- parking fee. TRAIL STATISTICS: The suggested loop follows Mitchell Canyon Road to Deer Flat, Deer Flat Road to Juniper Campground, and Juniper Trail to the Lower Summit Parking Lot and finally along the uppermost leg of the Summit Trail. The summit itself is inside the Visitor Center rotunda, a short distance uphill. Return from the Lower Parking Lot along the Summit Trail to Devils Elbow, then to Prospectors Gap via North Peak Trail to Murchio Gap via Bald Ridge Trail, down Back Creek Trail to the Coulter Pine Trail via the Bruce Lee Rd, at the base of the mountain, and back to the trail head. The loop is 13 miles long, and the total climb is 3200 feet. DESCRIPTION: This is the definitive Mount Diablo hike -- the total mountain experience. It encompasses all of the park's life zones, from meadow lands to rocky summit, and the ever-changing views are simply stunning. A major portion of the loop consists of intimate single-track trails, in close encounter with the wilderness -- including some poison oak which invites a cautious eye. Make no mistake -- this is a challenging hike, with some astoundingly steep stretches, but the result is exhilarating. In winter time the meadow trails can be very mucky. Mount Olympia via Middle Trail Oyster Point from Curry Point Oyster Point from Curry Point 2 TRAILHEAD: Parking pull-out at Curry Point, South Gate Road. No facilities. TRAIL STATISTICS: Follow the Knobcone Point Road to the Black Hawk Ridge Road. Turn right onto this road, descend into Sycamore Canyon, and then climb again until you reach Oyster Point Trail. Follow this until it almost fades away and you'll come across a trail post; seemingly in the middle of nowhere. Climb cross-country to reach the obvious Oyster Point summit (there is no trail). The round trip is about 8 miles, and the total climb is 1750 feet on up-and-down terrain. DESCRIPTION: This hike is not difficult, except for the last mad scramble up Oyster Point, around sandstone barricades and avoidable lush groves of poison oak. The summit is a Miocene sandstone hogback, where you may perch on a rocky throne of your choice to view the glorious panorama of San Ramon and the Bay Area beyond, and, in the opposite direction, the wilderness of Jackass Canyon far below. The scenery along the way to your destination is constantly changing and is a source of unending delight -- meadow wildflowers in the spring, fall colors in the depths of Sycamore Canyon, and the fantastic Domengine sandstone formations to the east of Knobcone Point at any time. Mount Olympia via Middle Trail 3 TRAILHEAD: From the direction of Concord, drive through Clayton along Marsh Creek Road to Regency Woods. Turn on Regency Drive and continue to the dead end, with parking on the street beyond the last houses (please do not park in the permit-only areas in front of the houses). Walk down to the trail below: the park gate is a short distance toward the mountain. No facilities. No Dogs. Alternative parking is at the end of Mountaire Parkway or at Mitchell Canyon Visitor Center. TRAIL STATISTICS: Follow Donner Canyon Road to its end and a short distance up Meridian Ridge Rd you'll find Middle Trail, which takes you to Prospectors Gap Road. Turn left and climb steeply to Prospectors Gap (a junction of several hiking paths), here follow the North Peak Road, then North Peak Trail to Mt. Olympia. Complete the loop down Olympia Road then west (left) Olympia Trail (avoiding private property), and finally down Clayton Oaks Road, returning to the previously traversed Donner Canyon Road and retracing your steps back to the trailhead. The complete loop is 8 miles, with a climb of 3,000 feet. DESCRIPTION: Mount Olympia is one of the park's prime destinations, a rugged outcrop with fantastic views of dizzying canyons, particularly with the mists of winter. Middle Trail is a nature lover's delight, and the climb toward Prospectors Gap and descent from North Peak are -- let us say -- challenging. Be sure to sign the log attached to the Mt. Olympia Summit trail post! Wall Point - Pine Canyon Loop Pine Pond - Frog Pond Loop Wall Point - Pine Canyon Loop 4 TRAILHEAD: Macedo Ranch Staging Area, at the end of Green Valley Road. Green Valley Road may be reached from Stone Valley Road (Alamo) or Diablo Road (Danville). (Both are freeway 680 exits.) Toilets, but no drinking water. TRAIL STATISTICS: The 9-mile loop follows Wall Point Road to its junction with the Summit Trail in Rock City, which is followed in turn up to the Barbecue Terrace Road. This then descends into Pine Canyon and eventually joins Stage Road. Dusty Road, on the left side of Stage Road, will take you across Pine Ridge back to the Wall Point Road and the trailhead. The total climb is 1300 feet. DESCRIPTION: Rolling meadow lands, oak savannas, fine views of the main peak, hogbacks and sandstone fantasy, riparian habitat and great birding -- this pleasant day hike has everything. Pine Pond - Frog Pond Loop 5 TRAILHEAD: Parking pull-out at Curry Point, South Gate Road. No facilities. TRAIL STATISTICS: Start in a northwesterly direction along South Gate Road from the pull-out to the Summit Trail after the crosswalk. Just before the trail crosses the road again, make a sharp left onto Ridge View Trail, which climbs up to the crest and then descends to Wall Point Road. Go west until you reach a saddle before the climb to Wall Point itself -- look out for Secret Trail on the right that descends to Barbecue Terrace Road. Then take this road downhill (it eventually becomes Stage Road), and beyond Pine Pond carefully look for a trail on the right that crosses the creek -- Sunset Trail. At this trail's northern end, turn right to get eventually onto Burma Road. Follow this all the way up to Deer Flat Road, and near the far end of Juniper Campground, before reaching Summit Road, take the Juniper Trail, Summit Trail, and Green Ranch Road to the site of the former Green Ranch. Continue your descent, with a side trip to Frog Pond. Return to trailhead via Frog Pond Road and Curry Canyon Roads. A total climb of 5500 feet and 17 miles of hiking awaits you! DESCRIPTION: This is a long, tough hike for expert map readers who have good instinct for following faint trails, and is an exhilarating scramble up and down the flanks of the mountain! Burma Road Loop 6 TRAILHEAD: Not long after your car starts its climb on North Gate Road, you will note a distant ridge that comes in from the right to meet the winding road. After a particularly sharp curve, the highway rises steeply toward the ridge at Burma Road crossing, just after the white 3.0 mile marker. Limited parking is available in front of the lower (western) side or at a pullout just beyond. The trail starts at the upper (eastern) side. No facilities. TRAIL STATISTICS: Follow Burma Road beyond Moses Rock Spring, then descend on Mothers Trail, which ends at Angel Kerley Road. This shortly joins Burma Road, which takes you back to the trailhead. A 4-mile loop, 1300-foot climb. DESCRIPTION: After a short but astoundingly steep climb, Burma Road (named for the World War II mountainous supply route) gradually traverses Long Ridge and crosses a broad band of serpentinite and peridotite with its weird rocks and stunted plants, a wildly barren stretch that contrasts with the lush grasses on the slumpy slopes. This is also a great birding area; rough-legged hawks, ash-throated flycatchers, and horned larks. At Moses Rock, a biblical spring issues from a crevice. Scramble to the top of the rock and find a little rock throne from which to lord it over the encompassing domain of beauty. Near the junction of Burma and Mother's Trail, you will delight in a trough full of "mountain goldfish." Burma Road Loop Oyster Point via Riggs Canyon 7 TRAILHEAD: On Morgan Territory Road heading toward Livermore, about four and-a-half miles from Marsh Creek Road junction, just 0.4 miles beyond the two narrow one-lane bridges. There is an old corral on the left side of the road, opposite the State Park pedestrian gate. There is a scant little space to park, but do not block the private driveway gate -- it is used by inholders. No facilities. TRAIL STATISTICS: At the entrance, take the road that goes straight ahead, Morgan Creek Road. Continue up to Highland Ridge (the Trail Map is essential!). turn left, and then right onto Crestview Road, descending into Riggs Canyon along Amphitheater Trail and Old Finley Road. Take Oyster Point Trail at the Old Yellow House to the destination. The round trip is 11 miles, with a total climb of 1300 feet. DESCRIPTION: This is an exploration of some of the least visited parts of the park. Riggs Canyon is a mysterious Shangri-La, a deep valley of unspoiled wilderness, ringed by sandstone walls and weirdly eroded spires. The final climb to the Oyster Point ridge and its wonderful vistas is cross-country; watch out for poison oak. On the return trip, take a right on the Highland Ridge Trail and take the right-hand road back to the trailhead along the crest of grassy hills offering splendid distant views of Mount Diablo. Oyster Point via Riggs Canyon Grand Loop 8 TRAILHEAD: Lower Summit Parking Lot TRAIL STATISTICS: Start by descending the Summit Trail to Devils Elbow. For the complete loop, take left turns at each junction: North Peak Trail to Prospectors Gap, Bald Ridge Trail to Murchio Gap, and Meridian Ridge to Deer Flat Road to Juniper Campground, and back up on the Juniper Trail. 6 miles with a total climb of 1600 feet. DESCRIPTION: This is a circumambulation of the summit along some of the park's most attractive hidden trails. The North Peak Trail has fantastic displays of wildflowers in the spring, including the rarely-seen wind poppies. The Bald Ridge Trail has a new surprise every few yards -- a tiny rock garden, an unexpected vista, perhaps a sighting of the elusive California thrasher, and an exploration of the geology and rare botany of serpentine soils and rocks. The Juniper Trail has its own set of rock gardens featuring tundra-like stunted plants. Grand Loop Mount Olympia from Three Springs 9 TRAILHEAD: Wide pull-out on right side of Marsh Creek Road about two miles beyond Regency Drive in Clayton. There is an emergency call box with a big blue sign. No facilities. TRAIL STATISTICS: Start by finding the slightly hidden auto-gate and head up Sharkey Road. Turn right at first road junction and soon there after right onto Olympia Trail. The trail briefly joins an old road and at its end make a short left jog to locate the posted continuation of the Olympia Trail. Follow it until you reach the exhilarating East Trail, straight up to the summit! A stiff 2,000 ft climb in 2.5 miles! DESCRIPTION: This is arguably the steepest trail in the park. The first part is gentle enough, but things get a lot more challenging when you get to the flanks of Mount Olympia -- the total rise occurs in a little over a mile. There are many things to attract your attention on the way and to let you catch your breath -- wildflowers well into summer, grotesquely eroded rock formations reminiscent of the American Southwest, the sequence of gradually expanding views. The climax view, of course, is from the summit itself. Be sure to sign the log attached to the Mt. Olympia Summit trail post to memorialize your accomplishment! Mount Olympia from Three Springs 10 Eagle Peak from Mitchell Canyon TRAILHEAD: Mitchell Canyon Staging Area: At the end of Mitchell Canyon Road, at the north entrance to the park, near the town of Clayton. Parking is ample, except on very busy days. Facilities: drinking water, restrooms, park map display, picnic area, visitor center open on weekends, park headquarters nearby. TRAIL STATISTICS: 8.0-mile loop; cumulative climb is 3,101 feet. Eagle Peak Trail | Carl Nielson DESCRIPTION: This loop is a favorite hike that docents at the Mitchell Canyon Visitor Center often recommend as an introduction to first-time hikers in the park who want great views and a variety of habitats, along with a good workout. Follow Mitchell Canyon Road to Oak Road, which takes off steeply to the left where the split rail fencing ends. After you reach the meadowy plateau at the top, look for Mitchell Rock Trail, a single-track trail to your right. This will take you past Mitchell Rock and Twin Peaks to Eagle Peak Trail, an exciting ridge trail, often only a few feet wide, with sharp drop-offs on each side. This trail leads, of course, to Eagle Peak. Eagle Peak is a rocky belvedere from which to admire the expanse of Contra Costa’s "Central Valley" before you, and a good place to pause for a break on several rocks nature has conveniently placed for this purpose. Continue on to Murchio Gap, and take Meridian Ridge Road to the right to reach Deer Flat. At Deer Flat, continue to the right on Mitchell Canyon Road for a short distance to find picnic tables in the shade and a restful place to enjoy Deer Flat, one of the mountain’s loveliest spots, with its symphony of bird song. Mitchell Canyon Road takes you back to the trailhead. Your return via shady Mitchell Canyon offers a welcome relief from the heat of the afternoon sun. Eagle Peak from Mitchell Canyon

Journaling for Young Naturalists Take a Walk in the Woods... Steve Smith Conversation Starters to Use with your Child on the Park Trail For younger nature enthusiasts, ages 2 to 4 who are developing language skills and are not ready to use a written journal, here are some questions you could ask to help your child appreciate the park during your walk and have a great chat together. LOOK : What do you see? What color is the tree? The flower? The bug? What shapes do you see? Circle? Triangle? Square? Oval? LISTEN : What noises do you hear? What do you think is making that sound? A bird? A bug? The wind? SMELL : Tell me what the flower smells like? What does it remind you of? ENOY : What surprised you? What was your favorite thing you saw today? Elementary students can draw a picture to describe something they have seen in the park and write a story or poem or a song to talk about their visit. GRADES K-2 What animals and plants did we see in the park? What do you think they eat and need? Why do you think they choose to live in this park? Why do you think there many kinds of trees in the park and how are they different? Did you find an interesting rock? What did you wonder about ? GRADES 3-5 How do you think Mt. Diablo came to be? How many kinds of rocks are in the park? How do you think the plants and animals help each other to survive in the park? Who were the original people who lived in the park?Journaling in nature is a fun way to explore the world around you! TEENS Bring a notebook and a pencil (silence your phone). Find a cozy spot outside, like under a tree or by a stream. Look around and notice the plants, animals, and sounds. You can write about what you see, draw pictures, or even describe how the fresh air feels. Remember, there are no rules—just let your imagination flow! Download this page Download a sample journal entry Mount Diablo from Shell Ridge by Terese Dixon Red-tailed Hawk by Dan Sandri Andrena Miner Bee on Buttercup by Dan Sandri Lupine and poppies by Steve Smith BACK TO LIST

Northern Harrier Diurnal Birds of Prey Northern Harrier Circus hudsonius All Year Diurnal Birds of Prey Daniel Fitzgerald Daniel Fitzgerald This slim long-winged, long-tailed raptor glides over open country often close to the ground flashing its distinctive white rump patch. The male is gray above and pale below while the female is brown with heavily streaked breast.

7 Popular Hikes 10 Short, Pleasant Walks 3 cups Blueberries Mount Diablo State Park Ten Short Walks Frank Valle-Riestra Here are some easy but very rewarding walks that you may wish to take while visiting Mt. Diablo State Park. They have been selected for those of you who want to spend an hour or so — certainly no more than two hours — on a trail amidst the mountain's natural treasures, but who do not wish to, or cannot, take advantage of some of the more challenging hikes. All of the walks are relatively level with some minor to moderate climbing. The footing is firm, and the trails can be negotiated in comfortable walking shoes. And you do not need to go all the way in order to enjoy the beautiful environment. If you are limited in time, go as far as you wish and turn back. The Trail Map of Mount Diablo State Park and the new Hikers Guide to Mount Diablo State Park are now available here at the MDIA Online Store as well as other interesting publications and items related to Mount Diablo. The trail map is also available at either the North Gate or South Gate Entrance Stations, the Summit Visitor Center and the Mitchell Canyon Visitor Centers. Also, be sure you know how to read trail signs on Mount Diablo . Title Scenic Views Wildflowers Riparian Flora Birds History Fauna Butterflies Geology Interest Mary Bowerman X X X X Fossil Ridge X X X X Mitchell Canyon X X X X X Pine Pond X X X X Juniper X X X Deer Flat Road X X Castle Rock X X X X Donner Canyon X X X Mountain House X Sentinel Rock X X Hike Features Mary Bowerman Trail 1 TRAILHEAD: On north side of road by picnic table, just at end of one-way road on its descent from summit, above "lower" summit parking lot. TRAIL STATISTICS: Loop of 0.7 miles, level (follows contour; gentle climb at end). Completely encircles summit of mountain. Easy walk, one half hour without stops. Drinking water and toilets at lower summit parking lot. DESCRIPTION: A must for both the casual visitor and the nature student, this nature trail is best negotiated with the help of the Mary Bowerman Interpretive Brochure available in the Summit Visitor Center or pamphlet box at trailhead. The incomparable views of the California landscape far below are enhanced by the framing foreground of the unusual trailside vegetation, with fine flower displays in spring and early summer. Of primary interest are the various stages of vegetative recovery following the great fire of 1977. Spectacular rock outcrops of ancient Franciscan Complex rocks abound. The trail was built by the California Conservation Corps; the first one third is paved and is wheelchair accessible up to the Ransome Point overlook, a good place to spot distant landmarks from comfortable benches. Mary Bowerman Trail Fossil Ridge Trail 2 TRAILHEAD: Uplands Picnic Area, adjacent to South Gate Road, at junction with small side road to Live Oak Campground. Trail starts as small road, badly paved, climbing hill steeply; there is a simple gate and sign barring public vehicles. TRAIL STATISTICS: 1.2-mile round trip. Short steep climb at beginning. Easy walk. DESCRIPTION: The initial climb opens up imposing vistas of the massive main peak of the mountain, as well as of San Ramon Valley in the opposite direction. The road parallels the crest of Fossil Ridge -- the adventurous may wish to scramble up to the rocky ridge, a sharp hogback (tilted sandstone layer with adjacent layers eroded away) with interesting exposed fossils, and a rock-garden-like appearance. Dramatic view of Black Hawk Ridge strata across Sycamore Canyon from a small path beyond the end of the road. Good bird watching. Fossil Ridge Trail Mitchell Canyon 3 TRAILHEAD: End of Mitchell Canyon Road, north entrance to the park, near the town of Clayton. Park in the staging area (water and toilets) -- parking $6. TRAIL STATISTICS: Level except for slight rise and descent near trailhead. One mile to junction with Red Road, another mile to limit of level part. A well graded fire road. DESCRIPTION: Even a short jaunt into beautiful Mitchell Canyon is rewarding. The banks along the road display a large variety of wildflowers, almost like a museum display, from midwinter to the end of spring. Dramatic outcrops of red rock loom high overhead, and your step will liven up to the gentle watery tune of Mitchell Creek at trailside, well into late spring. The level part of the road is a nature trail, and your enjoyment of the natural features will be enhanced with the Mitchell Canyon I nterpretive Brochure that is also available in the Mitchell Canyon Visitor Center and in a pamphlet box at the trailhead. On sunny days, this is prime butterfly country. Mitchell Canyon Pine Pond 4 TRAILHEAD: Not long after your car starts its climb on North Gate Road, you will note a distant ridge that comes in from the right to meet the winding road. After a particularly sharp curve, the highway rises steeply toward the ridge. Burma Road crossing provides access , just after the 3.0-mile point and just before a brown 1,000-foot elevation sign. Limited parking is available in front of the lower (western) gate, which is the actual trailhead, or at the elevation sign beyond. No facilities. TRAIL STATISTICS: The round trip to the pond is only 1.6 miles, with a 400-ft. drop just before Pine Pond (and, of course, a 400-ft. climb on the way back). Trails up and down Pine Canyon from Pine Pond can be explored as far as one desires. Spend an hour, or spend the day. DESCRIPTION: The graded road crosses an oak savannah, with fine views of the gentle foothills of Mount Diablo -- a good place just to lie in the grass to contemplate the sky. A sharp left at the next junction drops you down to the banks of the little lake, a habitat for a myriad of flying, swimming, crawling, and jumping creatures that constitute an incomparable living museum. Pine Pond is seasonal and may not fill, even in the rainy season. Pine Pond Juniper Trail 5 TRAILHEAD: At Laurel Nook Group Picnic Area, in Juniper Campground, just where the campground loop road returns to meet the Summit Road. Drinking water and toilets. TRAIL STATISTICS: 2.4 miles to lower summit parking lot and back, 720-ft. elevation gain. DESCRIPTION: A nicely graded, intimate trail built by the Youth Conservation Corps just before the 1977 fire. Switchbacks (avoid slippery shortcuts) facilitate the climb through the dark oak-laurel forest, a survivor of many a fire, including the 2013 Morgan Fire, to Moses Rock Ridge. Bear right through vigorous chaparral to reach interesting rock outcrops supporting a variety of stunted, tundra-like plants. Fine views through the silvery branches of fire-scarred chaparral. The trail crosses the main road and winds up at the parking lot. The return trip is all downhill. Wonderful for photography. Allow two hours. Juniper Trail Deer Flat Road (Juniper Camp) 6 TRAILHEAD: There is a large parking area at the Diablo Overlook on Summit Road just at the entrance to Juniper Campground. Walk to the end of the campground loop and find the trail across from the restrooms. Facilities in the campground. TRAIL STATISTICS: Deer Flat Road runs an essentially level course for 0.4 miles to its junction with Burma Road. This part is an easy walk. DESCRIPTION: The pleasant walk highlights fine views into San Ramon Valley across grassy slopes, emerald green in the springtim e, some of the most spectacular California poppy displays on the mountain. The thick grasses thriv e in the deep soil of the steep slumps below you, erosion products of the summit rocks. Each season brings new color surprises - the golden grasses against the deep blue sky in summer, and the same grasses, now a silvery gray, bathed in the mists of winter. Deer Flat Road Juniper Camp Castle Rock 7 TRAILHEAD: Begin from Castle Rock Regional Park in Walnut Creek located at the end of Castle Rock Road. Facilities in Castle Rock Park. TRAIL STATISTICS: A level walk of 1.5 miles (one way) takes you to the best overview of Castle Rock, a spectacularly eroded pinnacle looming high above. Head through the park to a gate that meets the old stagecoach road to Mount Diablo. Follow Stage Road along Pine Creek; it runs along the boundary of Diablo Foothills Regional Park up to the State Park gate and to the Castle Rock overlook just beyond. DESCRIPTION: Not far beyond the trailhead the road enters a cool, mature oak forest, a refuge in the hot days of summer. Pine Creek meanders through the forested meadows, and the road crosses the stream several times, requiring some careful balancing on stones in the stream. Butterflies abound in sunlit clearings. Raptor nests can sometimes be spotted with binoculars in the sandstone cavities of Castle Rock high above. Castle Rock Donner Canyon 8 TRAILHEAD: End of Mitchell Canyon Road, north entrance to the Park, near the town of Clayton. Park in the staging area (water and toilets). Parking $6. TRAIL STATISTICS: From the trailhead, walk a short distance to Oak Road, turn left to stay on Oak Road, then turn right on Murchio Road, and then right on Donner Canyon Road. 1.8 miles, one way, on a level road. An easy walk, but the road is muddy in winter and early spring. DESCRIPTION: A popular trail with local residents -- families with strollers, joggers, kids on bikes. The attractive environment is dominated by the view of the principal peaks of the park, rising sharply from the meadows at the base. In spring in particular, the sight of the rushing waters of Donner Creek meandering through flower-strewn emerald green grasslands is unforgettable. The road eventually enters an oak savannah. Donner Canyon Site of Mountain House 9 TRAILHEAD: At upper end of loop road, Junction Picnic Area, opposite ranger station at junction of North Gate and South Gate Roads. TRAIL STATISTICS: Junction Trail joins Summit Trail after 0.2 miles; the site is about 200 yards beyond on Summit Trail. A steady climb of 200 feet. Facilities at Sunset Picnic Area and the Junction Ranger Station. DESCRIPTION: You are on the old stage coach road that went up to Mountain House, a resort and weekend goal for Bay Area residents some 100 years ago. As you climb toward the site, the distant views of the coastal ranges slowly vanish, and you enter an imposing bowl-like enclosure in the heart of the mountain, encircled by grassy cliffs and the wilderness forest. Today the wide, level site shows no trace of the old hotel. You will have to let your imagination picture the excitement that the arrival of the stage coach must have engendered a century ago. Site of Mountain House 10 Sentinel Rock TRAILHEAD: From South Gate Road, park in Rock City. Find the Trail Through Time at the end of the Grotto Picnic area. TRAIL STATISTICS: The distance to the top of Sentinel Rock is only a few hundred yards, but the walk is a bit of a scramble and a stiff climb of about 200 feet, most of it up the carved steps of Sentinel Rock. DESCRIPTION: Sentinel Rock is one of the most popular destinations in the park; yet, for such a prominent feature it is extraordinarily difficult to spot. The steep (and a bit frightening) climb, aided by steel cables, is well worth the effort, for the little fenced platform at the top offers fine views of the weird Rock City wilderness in all directions. Take the Trail Through Time trail winding up through wind caves and chaparral until you reach the Civilian Conservation Corps trail. The next 0.12 mile is over eroded sandstone with carved steps and steep crevices. Kids (of all ages) will have a ball, but be sure everyone stays behind the cable barrier! Well-gripping shoes or boots are essential. Sentinel Rock

Close Call: The Near-Extinction of Peregrine Falcons by Anastasia Hobbet January 1, 2024 Dave Furseth Lea este artículo en español The fastest animal on earth is a neighbor of yours. It’s the peregrine falcon, clocked at well over 200 miles per hour during its precipitous dives while hunting. Address? Mount Diablo State Park and surroundings, where at least two pairs are now readying themselves to nest in the dramatic pinnacles of Pine Canyon and the remote Black Hills above Black Hawk, where they will spend the spring and summer brooding the eggs and nurturing the youngsters until the kids become independent. Sounds rosy, but there’s a big “if" needed at this point: if the birds can get enough privacy and seclusion. They need a lot of quiet space, and with well more than 100,000 visitors per year now visiting Pine Canyon, is privacy possible for any creature? The responsibility for ensuring some seclusion for the Pine Canyon birds falls to two parks: Castle Rock, which is an East Bay Regional Park; and Mount Diablo State Park. The main access to lower Pine Canyon is via the former, but Pine Canyon's sandstone cliffs lie just over the boundary inside the State Park, forming a section of its westernmost edge. Two annual nesting closure zones stretching from Februrary 1 through July 31 help these blistering-fast aerial hunters feel some confidence in their security. The staffs of the two adjacent parks cooperate in enforcing the closure, but it's tough for a park supervisor working with a tiny staff to dispatch anyone fast, which is key. Widespread use of DDT beginning in the late 1950's almost wiped out peregrines in the U.S. and across the western world. It interfered with calcium deposition, thinning the mother's eggshells so much that they cracked when she tried to sit on them. The embryos died, pitching the population into collapse. DDT was finally banned in the U.S. in 1972, and some years later, Save Mount Diablo inspired a massive, successful effort to return the birds to Castle Rock. Keeping the birds safe during their six-month breeding has proved dicey. The Covid era drove cabin-fevered people into the parks -- all parks everywhere -- and even the most secluded places on and around Mount Diablo, on legal trails and hacked trails, became patterned with boot prints, bike tires, and horse hooves. MDIA volunteers formed the Peregrine Team in 2015 to support the closure zone enforcements of the rangers and staff in the two parks. This (2024) is the team's 10th season. In addition to informing hikers about the closure, they spot hikers in the closure area, and, if possible, gently interact with them when they return to the legal trail -- or even better: before they leave it -- about the ethics and benefits of respecting closure zones. You can help too. Plan to hike Stage Road in Pine Canyon and the trails from Curry Point. You'll see closure signage. Visit with other hikers as you go. If you spot people who may be headed into the closure zones, draw their attention gently to the signs. If they choose to trespass, don't intervene. They'll remember your words. Crowd-sourcing works -- eventually. Back to the Peregrine Team Page Peregrine in Flight | Scott Hein Peregine Team in action. Peregrine Team members lead group hikes during the nesting season into Pine Canyon BACK TO LIST

Yellow-faced Bumble Bee Bombus vosnesenskii Apidae Bombus Describe your image Describe your image Describe your image Describe your image Describe your image Describe your image Description Bombus vosnesenskii is a stout-bodied, large bumble bee, mostly black in color, with yellow hair in front of the wing bases. It has a yellow (at least some yellow hairs) on its square-face and top of head. Nectar/ Pollen Plants The Yellow-faced Bumble Bee is a flower generalist, but does have favorites, including lupines, mints, thistles, buckwheats and goldenbush. Habits Abundant in the Pacific States, and important pollinator in agriculture (including greenhouse tomatoes). Eusocial, they nest primarily in underground burrows, and an overwintered queen raises the first workers. Thought to out-compete other bees in urban areas. Season January - September

Wildflower Mount Diablo Artichoke Thistle Invasive Scientific Name: Cynara cardunculus Family: Asteraceae (Sunflower Family) Blooms: June Color: Blue-Purple Perennial herb Introduced Jump to Blooming Now Blue / Purple Red / Pink White Yellow / Orange Invasive Plants Steven Beatty

Wildlife Photography Guidelines by Melissa Groo, used with permission Taken from National Geographic 7/31/19 article, "How to Photograph Wildlife Ethically" July 31, 2019 Gray Fox, by Dan Sandri “The ethics of photography are the same as the ethics of life, and they all revolve around respect.” As you strive to capture images of wildlife in Mount Diablo Sate Park, please pledge to have as minimal an impact as possible when photographing flora and fauna, by following the guidelines below. Remember, the use of drones is prohibited at all times. • Do No Harm – I will not destroy or alter habitat for a better shot, will always let animals go about their business, especially in breeding season, and will strive to understand signs of stress. • Keep It Wild – I will never feed our wild friends, in hopes of a photograph, or otherwise, avoiding the possibility of having them connect human contact with food. • Follow the Law – I will always obey applicable laws as I photograph. • Consider the Captive – If photographing wild animals in captivity, I will first ensure the facility is both legal and ethical. • Caption with Honesty – I will always be honest and transparent about the backstory of a pic – camera trap, captive critter, etc. – so as not to deceive viewers. I will also protect sensitive species or habitats by not disclosing location. For more information visit https://www.nationalgeographic.com/animals/article/ethical-wildlife-photography (requires free subscription to view) California Pocket Mouse (Chaetodipus californicus) by Dan Fitzgerald.jpg red-tailed hawk by Dan Sandri.jpg Ground Squirrel.jpg Tarantula by Ken Lavin.jpg Peregrine by Scott Hein.jpg BACK TO LIST

California Pipevine Swallowtail Battus philenor hirsuta Papilionidae Swallowtails Flies February to November Host Plant Pipevine Nectar Plant California buckeye Daniel Fitzgerald Male Daniel Fitzgerald Underwing Daniel Fitzgerald Female