Hike Mt. Diablo

Mt. Diablo has some of the most expansive views in California, despite it's relatively low peak elevation. It played a large role in the surveying the Bay Area during its early discovery.

To get to the staging area, take Interstate 80 to I-680 to Highway 4. Exit at Railroad Boulevard in Pittsburg. Drive 4 miles over the foothills. Railroad turns into Kirker Pass Road. Turn left onto Clayton Road. Go 1 mile to Mitchell Canyon Road and turn right. Mitchell Canyon ends at the trailhead.

Once you've parked and made it to the trailhead, get your backpack all set with water, snacks, optimism - it's going to be a bit of a trek. The leg to the summit is 6.8 miles and full of elevation change.

From the trailhead, head 4 miles on the Mitchell Canyon fire road. After 4 miles, you'll reach a fork leading to either Meridian Ridge or Deer Flat Rd. Head to the right on Deer Flat Rd for approximately 1.5 miles until you reach the Juniper Campground. Head through the campground parking lot and keep an eye out for the sign to the summit. Take the single-track trail to the lower summit. At the lower summit you may think to yourself, "why didn't I just drive the car up here?" The short answer is that it would be too easy! Take a couple minutes here to hydrate and grab a snack. Once you're ready to head back, go right on the Summit Trail, then hang a left on the North Peak Trail for about 3 miles. Turn left on Prospector's Gap, then right on the Meridian Ridge fire road. Turn left at the single-track Back Creek Trail for 2 miles to the Bruce Lee Trail. Head left from there and you will be back at the trailhead and your car shortly thereafter.

Now that you've accomplished this amazing feat, head to ØL Beercafe & Bottle Shop and treat yourself to a pint or two (they also sell bottles to take home). Not feeling a beer, you can get your sugar fix at A Sweet Affair