Mitchell Canyon Nature Trail

Summary: This is a hot hike in the Summer, but the Nature Trail is well shaded, and if you bring water you will be fine. There are signposted points of interest, and a guide available from the Visitor Center (and a wooden box at the trailhead) to educate yourself along the way. The trail is a wide fire road, and is easy until you get to the climb that starts after the Nature Trail, but we were tempted up the hill by the views and tolerable grade. It's 4 miles in and out, but you can make it longer.





Details: We were in the mood for a short hike in a new place, and it was cool in Vallejo. So, we dressed for cool. It's always a good idea to check the weather where you're going on the internet. I found it by searching Google for: "mount diablo hikes". That turned up a list of 7 popular Mt. Diablo hikes. We hit the trail head at 3pm, and it was a scorcher. Luckily, there is plenty of shade along the way from the Oaks that surround the trail/fire road.


Location: We partly chose this hike because we like going to Walnut Creek's beautiful downtown area either before or after our hike. This time we went to Pomegranate for a lunch out on the sidewalk. Actually, we often go there because the food is excellent, and so is the service. The hike begins at the end of Mitchell Canyon Rd. There are restrooms, water and a staffed visitor center where you can pick up maps, and advice. There is a $6 parking fee.


Pictures:
The Nature Trail meanders right up the floor of the valley between two rocky ridges that afford beautiful rocky views.






















At the end of the Nature Trail, there isn't a sign, but you can tell when the fire road starts to switchback up the end of the canyon. If you do go up about halfway, you will be rewarded with beautiful views. This looks back toward the beginning of the trail.








The pictures on the right gives you a good idea of how big the trail is. You don't have to worry about poison oak, unless you go off of the fire road. We did see a fair number of Mountain Bikers, and it looked like they were having a good time, at least on the downhill part. The trail is wide enough that there's plenty of room for everyone.




















Finally, some other vistas from the trail.