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3 cups Blueberries 3 cups Flour 1½ cups Butter Walks and hikes offer one spectacular view after another throughout Mount Diablo State Park. Here you will find wonderful treks to choose from, many of them splendidly described by Frank Valle-Riestra. You can also check out our full list of hikes at Find Your Hike . The Trail Map Mount Diablo State Park and the Hiker's 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 . Mount Diablo from from Oak Hills Trail | Bill Karieva Hiking Mount Diablo Notable Hikes Eight Popular Hikes Ten Short, Pleasant Walks by Frank Valle-Riestra Easy, but very rewarding walks. Ten Moderate Hikes by Frank Valle-Riestra Some of the mountain's most attractive environments. Ten Demanding Hikes by Frank Valle-Riestra An introduction to the hidden beauty spots on the mountain. Mitchell Canyon Hikes Falls Trail Loop Eagle Peak - Back Creek Loop Summit via Back Creek & Mitchell Canyon Hikers | Mike Woodring Evening Hike Evening Hike by Michael Marchiano Frank's Favorite Hikes Amphitheater Hike Camel Rock Trail China Wall Hike Mary Bowerman Hike Springtime on the North Peak Trail Secret Trail Black Point Trail Bob's Pond Hike Globe Lily Trail Three Interpretive Trails Mary Bowerman Interpretive Trail Mitchell Canyon Interpretive Trail Hiking | Mike Woodring Trail Through Time a 190 million-year geologic journey Archived Hike Articles Focus On - Hiking on Mount Diablo I Hiked Them All - by Steve Smith More Information Visit the Events listing for the schedule of upcoming hikes and nature walks. The Trail Map of Mount Diablo State Park and the Hiker's Guide to Mount Diablo State Park are available at the MDIA Online Store, as are 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. How to Read Trail Signs on Mount Diablo Mountain News , Summer 1999 Learn about the history of many place names and trail names by visiting: 50 Uncommon Place Names of Mount Diablo, reprinted from Mount Diablo Review , Spring 2004. To assist in the development and maintenance of hiking trails, individuals can join the Mount Diablo Volunteer Trail Crew program .

MDIA Annual Report The Annual Report provides a yearly summary including Board and Committee reports, financial reports, and a summary of accomplishments and active projects. The Report is distributed to MDIA Members in the first quarter of each year. Reports are also available for online viewing/download. 2023 Annual Report 2022 Annual Report 2021 Annual Report 2020 Annual Report 2019 Annual Report 2018 Annual Report

FAQs About Peregrines Here are some frequently asked questions about the Peregrine Falcons of the Diablo Region. If you can't find your answers here, feel free to contact us. Back to the Peregrine Team Page Mail 1 Are peregrines really the fastest animals on earth? Yes, peregrine falcons are able to vertically dive or "stoop" at up to 200 mph, but only while hunting. However, a peregrine will always be faster when compared with other birds. In non-hunting mode, a peregrine flies at 25 to 34 mph. And when both peregrine and prey are near the ground, the falcon's direct pursuit reaches speeds around 70 mph. It is when the peregrine flies high and spots a meal down low that it can shift to its electrifying vertical speeds. 2 What happens if someone trespasses a closure zone during nesting season? Trespassers can be warned, cited, and/or criminally prosecuted for entering a closure zone during nesting season. MDSP Posted Order No. 011-21-680-203, effective July 1, 2021, closes two rock formation areas in MDSP to “all pedestrian, equine, bicycle, or any other mode of public transportation or public usage, annually from February 1, through July 31.” To view the closure notice, go to: https://www.parks.ca.gov/?page_id=517 3 How long have peregrine falcons nested in Mount Diablo State Park? Mount Diablo is an ancestral home of peregrines. Peregrine falcons belong here on Mount Diablo, where they have nested for millennia, where they have an abundance of food, high natural cliffs, and rich hunting grounds. We humans are the visitors, not the peregrines. As stewards of this land, we have the responsibility to protect these iconic raptors. 4 Have the number of peregrines in California recovered? Yes, but human visitors are even more capable of going everywhere, fragmenting the habitats for plants and animals. Peregrines need peace and privacy to feel confident about spending six months of their short lives every year to raise their chicks. 5 Are there other threats to the peregrine falcon population besides us humans? A recent global outbreak of bird flu continues to kill birds, both wild and domestic. Because peregrines hunt pigeons, shorebirds, ducks, grebes, gulls, and songbirds, peregrines are at risk for infection from exposure through their diet. Peregrines can also contract lead poisoning and pesticide contamination by eating infected prey. Additionally, new poisonous chemicals show up regularly on our store shelves and their potential risks to wildlife, including peregrines, is unknown. Even DDT isn't completely gone, though it was banned in the United States in 1972. Environmental researchers have recently tracked down a million and a half barrels of DDT dumped for decades near Catalina Island during the last century. 6 Why is the nesting area closed to the public for 6 months? It takes time to raise kids from scratch, and anything can go wrong. For peregrines, close human proximity can be one of those things, drawing their attention from their core job of hunting and caring for their chicks. Human disturbances in the territory, especially while the chicks are in the nest, may cause the parents to abandon the nest, leaving the youngsters to starve to death or become a meal for another predator. See the full timeline at: https://www.mdia.org/peregrine-timeline 7 What is the average wingspan of a peregrine falcon? The average wingspan of a peregrine falcon is around 3 feet. 8 What do peregrine falcons eat? Peregrine falcons primarily feed on other birds, such as pigeons and ducks. 9 Where do peregrine falcons nest? Peregrine falcons typically nest on high cliffs or tall man-made structures, such as skyscrapers. Urban nests are at risk to human disturbance or excessive human intervention. For this reason, it is important to preserve and protect natural nesting areas. 10 How many eggs does a peregrine falcon lay in a clutch? Peregrine falcons usually lay 3 to 4 eggs in a clutch. 11 What is the typical survival rate of peregrine chicks? Peregrine chicks only have a 10-20% survival rate, once on their own. This makes protecting the nesting areas for a short time each year even more important to ensure their survival. 12 Where can someone safely observe the falcons? Diablo Foothills Regional Park, 1700 Castle Rock Road, in Walnut Creek: https://www.ebparks.org/parks/diablo-foothills Starting at the Park entrance, walk through the park’s recreation area and hike on Stage Road past the intersections of Fairy Lantern Trail and Buckeye Ravine Trail, for approximately 1 mile. You’ll find yourself in the first of two large meadows on your right. Look for the interpretive sign uphill to your right and view the Castle Rock cliffs from there. Depending on the raptor activity, you may also want to cross the creek and watch the birds from the second meadow across from the rock formations. The round trip hike from the Diablo Foothills Regional Park parking area to the second meadow and return is approximately 2.6 miles. In Spring, you may encounter water crossings along the trail. 13 How does the vision of peregrine falcons compare with humans? Unquestionably, a peregrine’s eyesight is extraordinary and is 8 times better than human vision. Peregrines can spot small prey from 1 to 2 miles away. Imagine being able to spot a rabbit 15 football fields away! Peregrines also have “fast vision.” Consider an animal’s visual flicker fusion rate, in other words, its ability to track rapidly changing visual events. Peregrines can see 129 images per second compared to a human’s 25 images per second. Peregrines also have approximately a million retinal cones allowing them to see color variation in the ultraviolet range, compared to our mere 30,000. By any measure, peregrines have far better vision than humans. 14 Where besides North America, do peregrine falcons live? Peregrines live on every continent except Antarctica. 15 What does history tell us about the relationship between humans and peregrine falcons? The falcon was considered king of the birds in ancient Egypt and was associated with several gods, including the sky god Horus, who was often shown with the head of a falcon. Humans and peregrines have a long relationship in the practice of falconry. Although historians disagree about when falconry began, records establish that an Iranian king, who may have lived as long as 10,000 years ago, used birds of prey to hunt. By 2000 BC, falconry was well-established in the Middle East and eventually migrated throughout Europe. Modern falconers still favor peregrines.

Rural Skipper Ochlodes agricola Hesperiidae Skippers Flies March to August Host Plant Grass Nectar Plant California buckeye, Coyote mint Daniel Fitzgerald Male Kevin Hinsta Male Underwing

10 Moderate Hikes 3 cups Blueberries Mount Diablo State Park Ten Moderate Hikes Frank Valle-Riestra You are invited to explore ten of the mountain's most attractive environments, some not all that well known, along trails that are not particularly difficult. The hikes outlined below are no more than half-day walks, from two to four hours or so long. However, you may face some stiff climbs—none of them long—and good boots are strongly recommended, for some of the trails are a bit rough. With a few exceptions, there is no potable water on these trails. You should carry drinks with you. Many of the trails are narrow 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 that, let's face it, are around. Keep in mind that in summer the mountain gets pretty hot in the sun, so carry some headgear. In 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 Fall Trails Loop X X X Mount Olympia via North Peak X X X Twin Peaks - Mitchell Rock X X X X Black Point Loop X X X Balancing Rock - Knobcone Pt X X X X Chase Pond - Hidden Pond X X X Dan Cook Canyon X X X Eagle Peak X X X X Sycamore Canyon Loop X X X Olofson Ridge X X X X Hike Features Falls Trail Loop Falls Trail 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). $6 parking fee. TRAIL STATISTICS: From the trailhead, walk a short distance and turn left on Oak Road, left to stay on Oak Road, and then right on Murchio Road. Turn right on Donner Canyon Road up to Cardinet Oaks Road to the Falls Trail returning loop back via Middle Trail, briefly right on Meridian Ridge Road, then back left down Donner Canyon Road. In winter and early spring, roads at lower elevations may be muddy. DESCRIPTION: In winter (rainy season) and throughout spring, the Falls Trail offers fine views of the mountain's most spectacular attraction, several waterfalls up to 100 feet high. Spring also brings astounding displays of wildflowers, and the colorful rock formations are worth the trip at any time. Kindly refrain from scrambling down to the falls; it is dangerous and damages the landscape. Mount Olympia via North Peak 2 TRAILHEAD: At roadside parking area. Devil’s Elbow, on Summit Road, just below the summit. Facilities at summit. TRAIL STATISTICS: This is a 4.6 miles round trip on North Peak Trail and to Prospector's Gap, then continuing on North Peak Road to the top. The descent from North Peak to Mount Olympia is very steep, on slippery scree. After leaving North Peak, turn right on North Peak Trail to the Olympia Summit. Round trip involves a total climb of 1,670 feet, mostly on the way back. DESCRIPTION: This is a trip for those who enjoy an unlimited sky above and views into distant depths below. The one-track path to Prospector’s Gap is a showplace for wildflowers in the spring. Mount Olympia, itself, is like a little throne high above the encircling landscape, where you can sit and observe the puny world below you, and beyond, the great plains of the Central Valley. In wintertime, the mists rolling up from the depths of Donner Canyon put on a great show of landscape hide-and-seek. Mount Olympia via North Peak Twin Peaks - Mitchell Rock Loop 3 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). $6 parking fee. TRAIL STATISTICS: A 4-mile loop incorporating Coulter Pine, Eagle Peak, and Mitchell Rock Trails. Take Mitchell Canyon Road to Oak Road to Coulter Pine Trail to find the Eagle Peak Trail; its beginning may be a little faint, leading uphill opposite a downed oak tree. The trail parallels Back Creek and climbs gently up toward Twin Peaks. Climb of 1,100 feet. At the junction head back down to the right on the lovely Mitchell Rock Trail with stops at the Peaks and the Rock itself. DESCRIPTION: This is a wonderfully scenic loop at any time of year, passing through several distinct habitat zones -- meadow lands, oak savannah, chaparral, rocky summits, and a fine stand of Coulter pines. The Eagle Peak Trail climbs steadily to meet the Mitchell Rock Trail at the crest of Twin Peaks. Visitors have forged a maze of informal trails, but stick to the crest to descend, to the lower Twin Peak, and you won't have any trouble. Pause to admire the brilliantly colored rocks at the venerable Great-Berried manzanita, survivors of many fires, with exquisite blooms in January and February. Take care -- Twin Peaks have dangerous vertical drop-offs! When Mitchell Rock Trail changes into a fire road entering the bottom meadows, veer left back to the trailhead. Twin Peaks-Mitchell Rock Loop Black Point Loop Black Point Loop 4 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). $6 parking fee. TRAIL STATISTICS: The Black Point Trail proper starts about one-half mile along the Mitchell Canyon Road trail, on the right just beyond the creek crossing. It ends on Red Road and the loop is completed by taking Mitchell Canyon Road back to the trailhead -- or better yet by taking the small Globe Lily Trail which parallels the road. The loop is 4.8 miles long, and the climb is 1,190 feet. DESCRIPTION: An outstanding journey through a hidden, little-known corner of the park, spanning several life zones, culminating at the chaparral-covered summit of Black Point. From here a truly unique perspective of central Contra Costa is obtained. Watch for evidence of mining trailside during descent from Black Point. The return trail paralleling Mitchell Canyon Road in spring, shelters fine displays of the endemic Mount Diablo globe lily in good years. Wear light-colored protective clothing to combat ticks. Balancing Rock and Knobcone Point 5 TRAILHEAD: Paved parking pull-out at Curry Point, South Gate Road. No facilities. TRAIL STATISTICS: 4.5 miles round trip, level except for a few ups and downs. Easy walk. DESCRIPTION: Knobcone Point Road follows the crest of the tilted strata of Domengine sandstone, culminating with the teetering wall known as Balancing Rock. This feature has been faithfully reproduced on a full scale and forms the display focus at Walnut Creek's Lindsay Wildlife Experience Museum. Beyond Balancing Rock, and just before the park boundary gate, follow the spur road to the right; this takes you to a most interesting display of the beneficial effect of fire (this one in 1981) upon the regeneration of knobcone pines. A controlled burn of underbrush was done in 1995. At the end of the spur, to the right of the transmission line pylons, stop to admire the incredibly complex eroded sandstone landscape and the resident turkey vultures perched there or soaring overhead. Do not attempt to scale the dangerous cliffs, tempting as that may be -- respect the privacy of the ticks and rattlesnakes. Balancing Rock and Knobcone Point Chase Pond and Hidden Pond 6 TRAILHEAD: Paved parking pull-out at Curry Point, South Gate Road. No facilities. TRAIL STATISTICS: 5.8 miles mostly on dirt roads, but about 0.8 miles cross-country. Total climb of 1170 feet. DESCRIPTION: The trails up to the twin Chase Ponds are well-marked at intersections. The first section down Curry Canyon Road passes through a beautiful, shaded strip of riparian vegetation. A turn onto Frog Pond Road opens up rolling grasslands with some of the finest displays of massed wildflowers in the spring. Just beyond Chase Pond, the road turns uphill and becomes quite faint -- follow it until it meets Mountain Springs Creek, where an old cow-crossing facilitates the climb up the opposite bank. Now turn back and walk cross-country in the general direction of Hidden Pond. Easily spotted among the grassy knolls, Hidden Pond is one of the mountain’s beauty spots -- a peaceful, lonesome pond, the quiet waters reflecting overhanging branches, the great mountain looming up behind. A short cross-country jaunt brings you to Frog Pond Road for the trip back. Chase Pond - Hidden Pond Dan Cook Canyon 7 TRAILHEAD: From Southgate Road, park in the Rock City area. From here walk down the access road to Live Oak Campground heading straight down onto Summit Trail. There is no day parking at the campground. TRAIL STATISTICS: 3.2 miles round trip to Live Oak Campground on first part of the Summit Trail. 730-ft. climb. DESCRIPTION: A trail for tree lovers and rock lovers, and a great favorite for mountain bikers. It will he hard for you to resist exploring the maze of Rock City with its fascinating vistas of grotesquely eroded sandstone pinnacles and wind caves, but make your way down to the campground. The environment varies from a shady canyon of maples, sycamores, alders, and bay trees to a dry oak savannah. Dan Cook Canyon Eagle Peak 8 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 and find the trail across from the restrooms. Facilities in the campground. TRAIL STATISTICS: 6.3 miles out and back via Deer Flat Road, Meridian Ridge Road, and Eagle Peak Trail. Total climb of 1,490 feet. DESCRIPTION: This hike, has everything, starting with the flower- strewn meadows going down to Deer Flat. Deer Flat, itself, with its symphony of bird song, is one of the mountain's memorable beauty spots. Eagle Peak Trail is an exciting hogback, often only a few feet wide, with sharp drop-offs on each side. Eagle Peak is a rocky belvedere from which to admire the expanse of Contra Costa’s "Central Valley" before you -- a good place to pause for lunch. Eagle Peak Sycamore Canyon Loop 9 TRAILHEAD: Paved parking pull-out at Curry Point, South Gate Road. No facilities. TRAIL STATISTICS: 3.4-mile loop using Knobcone Point, Black Hawk Ridge, and Sycamore Creek Roads then Devil's Slide trail back to Knobcone Point Trail. 580-ft. climb on the return loop. DESCRIPTION: A hike to savor the colors of fall or the fog-softened mysteries of winter. The passing scene is endlessly surprising and refreshing. Initially, you walk through rolling meadows with magnificent views of the Mount Diablo massif above Curry, seen through the branches of stately oaks, which, in foggy weather assume a wonderful ghost-like appearance. On clear winter days, the snowy crest of the Sierra Nevada may he admired, far beyond the great expanse of the Central Valley: The colorful leafy carpets under towering sycamore trees, deep down in Sycamore Canyon, are unforgettable. Your climb back on Devil's Slide is a lovely one along a babbling brook, let your nose guide you to a stop at the peculiar Sulfur Spring. Sycamore Canyon Loop Olofson Ridge 10 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). $6 parking fee. TRAIL STATISTICS: 5.3-mile round trip. 1,010-ft. climb. DESCRIPTION: After just one mile along beautiful Mitchell Canyon, turn right on Red Road which, incongruously, climbs White Canyon. In springtime, this is the site of rarer wildflower species such as the Mount Diablo Globe Lily and Wind Poppies. Take a sharp left onto Olofson Ridge Trail and climb to the boundary gate. Just before the gate follow a faint trail on the left toward the summit. Find yourself a perch on one of the cherty outcrops whitewashed by the presence of fellow raptors, and lose yourself in the world of hawks, kestrels, and turkey vultures. With the awesome chasm of Mitchell Canyon and the massive walls of Eagle Peak as a background, admire the aerial acrobatics of these magnificent fliers -- with luck, you may even spot a golden eagle. Olofson Ridge

Mount Diablo State Park Location Map Directions: North Gate (closest GPS address ): 1300 N Gate Rd, Walnut Creek, CA 94598 South Gate (closest physical address) : 2675 Mt Diablo Scenic Blvd, Blackhawk, CA 94506 Mitchell Canyon Visitor Center (trail access only, no summit access): 96 Mitchell Canyon Rd, Clayton, CA 94517 Macedo Ranch Staging Area (trail access only, no summit access): End of Green Valley Rd, Alamo, CA Driving Directions To reach Mt. Diablo State Park and the summit from north of Walnut Creek, Contra Costa County: Follow Interstate 680 south and exit Treat Blvd and follow Treat Blvd east to Oak Grove Road. Turn south on Oak Grove Road. Continue on Oak Grove Road after crossing Ygnacio Valley Road, continuing to North Gate Road on the left. Use North Gate Road to enter the park. To reach the summit, turn left on Summit Road at the Junction Ranger office. To reach Mt. Diablo State Park and the summit from the south: Follow Interstate 680 north from the Pleasanton / Dublin area. Exit on Diablo Blvd in Danville, traveling to the east. Diablo Road makes several turns enroute to Mt. Diablo Scenic Drive. Continue on Diablo Road past a fire station on the right until you reach Mt. Diablo Scenic Drive. Turn left and follow this road into the park. To reach the summit, turn right on Summit Road at the Junction Ranger office. To reach Mt. Diablo State Park and the summit from the west: Follow Route 24 through the Caldecott Tunnel toward Walnut Creek. Exit on Ygnacio Valley Road. Follow Ygnacio Valley Road east and turn right on Walnut Avenue (not Walnut Blvd). At the end of Walnut Avenue, turn right on Oak Grove Road briefly and then turn left on North Gate Road. Use North Gate Road to enter the park. To reach the summit, turn left on Summit Road at the Junction Ranger office. To reach Mitchell Canyon from Walnut Creek: Take the Ygnacio Valley Rd. exit off Interstate 680 in Walnut Creek. Turn right on Clayton Road and then turn right again on Mitchell Canyon Road. The road dead ends at the park entrance. To reach Macedo Ranch from Alamo: Take the Stone Valley Road East exit (42a) off Interstate 680. Turn right onto Stone Valley Road. After passing Monte Vista HS, turn left on Green Valley Road. The road dead ends at the park entrance.

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