WATERFALLS & WILDFLOWERS OF MT. DIABLO

WATERFALLS & WILDFLOWERS OF MT. DIABLO

Leader: Calvin Craig

Leader Email: calvincraig@comcast.net

Leader Phone: 925-766-6305

Meeting Date and Day: Saturday, April 15, 2023

Meeting Location (ONLY IF you've arranged for a ride in SF): Whole Foods;
2001 Market St. @ Dolores (on the Dolores St. side); parking on the street or below.

Meeting Time: 9:00 AM, departing shortly afterwards.

Alternate Meeting Location (if you've arranged a ride with a driver):  Rockridge BART (bottom of escalator): 9:20 AM, departing shortly thereafter.

Rating:  Level 4

Mileage: 8 miles

Elevation Gain: 1700'

Description:  We'll start from the Mitchell Canyon Visitor Center, heading in the opposite direction from last week's hike.  Trails will include Coulter Pine, Bruce Lee, Donner Canyon, Back Creek, Meridian Ridge and Middle Trail to Falls Trail.  This loop route will include mixed habitat: grassland, oak woodland and chaparral.  Each habitat has unique species of flowers and vegetation.  We'll be going uphill in the morning.  The hike will be mixed shade and exposed open areas; both fire roads and single track trails.  Riparian treasures include streams and waterfalls.  Both should be gushing after the winter's historic rainfall.   Wildflowers should still be at their peak (several people will be present to identify any blooms).
Sorry - no 4-legged companions on this hike as per park regulations.
If there's been any rain during the 2 weeks before the hike, the water crossings would be easier with poles.  And because of mud and lots of water you would do better with either Gore-Tex or waterproof hiking shoes/boots.  Getting your shoes a bit muddy will be worth it to see the best waterfall show in years!

Bring/Wear:  Appropriate footwear for steep, rocky and possibly wet terrain.  Dress in layers.  Bring at least 2 liters of water, lunch and any snacks.  Hiking poles if you use them.

Rain Policy: Canceled in the event of heavy rain.

Trailhead Meeting Place:  Take I-80 to CA-24 to Ygnacio Valley Rd in Walnut Creek.  From Ygnacio Valley Rd turn right onto Pine Hollow Rd.  Then turn right onto Mitchell Canyon Rd until the end.  Don't forget to bring cash for the parking.  Google Maps Link

Trailhead Meeting Time:  10:00 AM

Trailhead Departure Time:  10:15 AM

Driving Distance: 69 miles total there and back from SF.

Passenger Carpool Fees from SF: $12. From Rockridge BART: $7 including Entrance/Parking Fee: $6 ($5 Seniors) CASH ONLY