BLACK DIAMOND MINES REGIONAL PARK

Black Diamond Mines Regional Park

Hike Date: Saturday, April 6 2025

Leader: Sam Kaufman

Leader Email: geogrman@yahoo.com

Leader Phone: 510-599-4056

SF Meeting Location Whole Foods @ 2001 Market St. Meet on the Dolores St. side.(There's parking on the street or below the building.

SF Meeting Time: 9:00 AM (departure shortly thereafter)

NOTE: Please only show up at Whole Foods if you have arranged for a ride ahead of time.

East Bay Meeting Location: Rockridge BART station. Meet at the bottom of the escalators. (There's free and ample parking)

East Bay Meeting Time: 9:15 AM (departure shortly thereafter)

NOTE: Please only show up at Rockridge BART if you have arranged for a ride ahead of time.

Rating: Level 4

Mileage: 8.5 miles

Elevation Gain: 1900'

Description: This lesser-known park has a rich industrial history. Unfortunately, no mine tours are currently available so let's enjoy the scenery on foot. We ascend through Manhattan Canyon (not Park Avenue!) to Chaparral Ridge for extensive views of the many hills and the delta. The hike descends next into the Sand Creek valley via Miners Trail to the Stewartsville town site. We also explore the rarely visited Oil Canyon before lunch. Afterward is the final big ascent up Corcoran Mine trail to the ridge top where we slowly descend back to the parking area. This is near peak wildflower season so be on the lookout. Note there is limited tree cover so please apply sunscreen accordingly.

Bring / Wear: Please bring plenty of water, lunch, layers and sturdy hiking shoes.

Rain Policy: Cancelled in the event of rain. Contact hike leader if weather is questionable.

Dogs: Dogs are welcome in this park.  However, we may encounter cattle so leash accordingly.

Trailhead Meeting Place: Upper Parking Lot. From SF, take I-80 to CA 24 to I-680 North to CA-242 to CA-4 East. Take Exit 26 - Somersville Rd and turn right to bear south. Proceed 3.6 miles to parking lot at the END OF THE ROAD. Google Maps link

Trailhead Meeting Time: 10:00 AM

Trailhead Departure Time: 10:15 AM

Round Trip driving mileage: 94 miles from Whole Foods; 68 miles from Rockridge BART.

Passenger Carpool Fees: $14 (SF); $8 (Rockridge BART)