Park Events

December

Wonder Hike
Wednesday, December 10
9:00 a.m. - 1:00 p.m.

Have you ever wondered about the many species of organisms that inhabit our world beyond the sidewalks and streets? This is the hike for you! Wonder and wander now with us while we explore the magnificent Mitchell Canyon in Mount Diablo State Park. Each month we will search for all the fantastic and beautiful natural displays that change with the seasons. You won't be disappointed if you have an inquisitive mind. We'll hike for about 4 miles with a slight elevation gain and enjoy nature's beautiful display along the way. Bring water, snacks, and binoculars if you have them.

Reservation Required. For reservations and information contact onesuperhiker@aol.com. Park entry fee: $6 per vehicle/$5 for seniors - exact change required. You may also pay digitally by scanning the QR code on the sign near the entrance gate. There is no fee for the program. Meets: in front of Mitchell Canyon Visitor Center (96 Mitchell Canyon Road, Clayton). Presented by California State Parks.

Winter Solstice Saunter
Sunday, December 21
9:30 a.m. - 12:30 p.m.

Let your inner Druid shine on a winter solstice nature hike up Mitchell Canyon. We will search for signs of the season, including mistletoe, beard lichen, Christmas berry, “oak apple galls” and “California pears”. This is a moderate hike of about 4 miles round trip with a 200 foot elevation gain. Bring water, snacks, dress in layers, and wear good hiking shoes. Rain cancels.

Reservation Required. For reservations and information contact mtdiablohiker@gmail.com. Park entry fee: $6 per vehicle/$5 for seniors - exact change required. You may also pay digitally by scanning the QR code on the sign near the entrance gate. There is no fee for the program. Meets: in front of Mitchell Canyon Visitor Center (96 Mitchell Canyon Road, Clayton). Presented by California State Parks and Greenbelt Alliance.

January

First Day Hike
Thursday, January 1
10:00 a.m. - 1:30 p.m.

Start the new year on the right foot (or left foot, if you prefer) with a nature hike up Mitchell Canyon. As we walk, we'll search for signs of the season, including ferns, mistletoe, lichen, overwintering ladybugs, and those natural tree ornaments, “oak apples” and “California pears”. We’ll also see the one plant that retains the name the native people gave it. (Hint: It’s the official shrub of Los Angeles!) This is a moderate four-mile round-trip hike. Rain cancels. Bring water, snacks, dress in layers, and wear good hiking shoes. Rain cancels.

Chaparral Spring
Saturday, January 10
10:00 a.m. - 1:30 p.m.

Join Naturalists Dan Sandri, and Dan Fitzgerald for a winter exploration of oak woodland and Diablo Range Chaparral. Winter rains ignite the coast range chaparral bloom with manzanita and currants showing off their flowers. On sunny days, even in January, pollinating insects emerge, flowers and new leaf growth sprout, and winter wildflowers like Warrior's Plume and Milkmaids begin to bloom. Mosses and lichens cover trees and rocks. Winter birds may be seen, as well as salamanders. Even unusual fungi may be discovered. This will be a moderate walk of approximately 4.5 to 5 miles round trip, with some ups and downs. Be prepared for mud. Bring snacks and liquids. Dress in layers and wear good hiking shoes. Bring poles if you normally use them. There are no facilities at Curry Point. Rain cancels.

Reservation Required. For reservations and information contact onesuperhiker@aol.com. Fee: $10 per vehicle, $9 for seniors. Payable at the North Gate or South Gate entrance to Mount Diablo State Park. Allow 30 - 45 minutes to get to the trailhead from the entrance. Presented by California State Parks.

Wonder Hike
Wednesday, January 14
9:00 a.m. - 1:00 p.m.