Park Events

April

Natural History of Plants Walk
Saturday, April 5
1:00 p.m. - 3:30 p.m.

Ever wonder about how the plant kingdom came to be? What is a primitive plant and what is a modern plant? What was it like before plants had flowers? Come join botanist Chris Chastain for a stroll through the botanically rich Mitchell Canyon to observe and learn about how plants changed through time. Living examples we'll encounter include liverworts, ferns, conifers, and flowering plants. This is about a 2-mile walk with two hundred feet in elevation gain. Bring liquids and a snack. Dress for the weather. Rain cancels.

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.

Twin Peaks Wildflower Hike
Saturday, April 12
9:30 a.m. - 1:30 p.m.

Join us for a leisurely paced hike up to Twin Peaks. We’ll begin our walk at the Visitor Center and climb up to the nearby meadow before we make our way up to Mitchell Rock. The wildflowers should be abundant, and we plan to stop and identify all those we come across. Another climb will take us to the lovely overlook facing North Peak and the Diablo summit, just before the trail bends sharply right toward Twin Peaks itself. We will have a snack break there before we head down to retrace our steps. The hike is approximately 3.5 miles round trip, and about 1,100 elevation gain. There are some short steep rocky sections of trail, so sturdy walking shoes are strongly recommended, as well as hiking poles. Bring liquids and snacks. Be prepared for mud and poison oak. Rain cancels.

Wildflower and Pollinator Walk
Saturday, April 19
9:00 a.m. - 12:30 p.m.

Join naturalists Dan, also known as the “bee guy”, and Leslie as we stroll up Mitchell Canyon Road, with a few side trips to see the emerging flowers. We will also hear about the native bees, flies, spiders, and bugs that inhabit those wildflowers. This is about a 4-mile walk with a few hundred feet in elevation gain. Bring liquids and a snack. Dress for the weather. Rain cancels.

Wonder Hike
Wednesday, April 23
8:30 a.m. - 12:30 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.

Rocks on the Move
Sunday, April 27
9:30 a.m. - 2:00 p.m.

We’ll visit fascinating sites on Mount Diablo and take short hikes to view fossils, wind caves, Sentinel Rock, the Devil’s Pulpit, and other amazing rocks and landforms ranging in age from the Jurassic Period to the present day. As we walk, we’ll also enjoy spring wildflowers and flora, some of which grow nowhere else in the world. This hike is approximately 2.5 miles with stops along the way. Bring snacks, lunch, and water. Dress in layers and wear good hiking shoes. Bring hiking poles if you normally use them.

Reservation Required. For reservations and information contact mtdiablohiker@gmail.com. Park entry fee: $10 per vehicle/$9 for seniors. There is no fee for the program. Meets: at the Rock City parking area off South Gate Road. There is a restroom and water fountain near the trailhead. Presented by California State Parks and Greenbelt Alliance.