Black Diamond Mines

  Thursday, April 15, 2010

DIFFICULTY:  Moderately to strenuous – depending on which option you choose

OVERVIEW:  This hike has 3 options. The hike, as trekked in 2009, was an 8 mile figure 8. This year hikers can:  

1) Hike the 8 mile figure 8 route from last year.

2) Hike the initial 5 mile loop and return to the parking lot and wait for returning hikers.

3) Hike the initial 5 mile loop and take a 1 ½ hour tour of the Hazel Atlas Sandstone Mine. (We toured this mine in 2008, and it was a nice cool break). 

Mine tours cost $3.75. Reservations can be made by emailing Dennis Ratay. Only a few openings are available and will be filled on a first come – first served basis.
 

ELEVATION GAIN:  Approximately 1000 feet with the various and numerous climbs and descents.    There are a few level stretches, but you may not notice them.  I tried to ensure, however, that we go just as far downhill as we go uphill.  And by the time we were back at the car, they had equaled out.  Mission accomplished!

HIKE DISTANCE:  8 miles in a figure 8 loop.  Hikers can opt to limit the hike to 5 miles by heading back to the parking lot after the first loop.  They can rest there at the parking lot until the others complete the 8 mile total.   (Several did this last year.)   Or you can hike 5 miles and tour the sandstone mine. 

GENERAL LOCATION:  Black Diamond Mines Regional Preserve.  The trailhead is 3 miles southwest of the town of Antioch.

DESCRIPTION:   This hike has diversity, diversity and diversity  -- a bit of everything.  Located in the heart of California’s largest coal mining operation in the late 1800’s, the trails traverse jagged and jumbled ridges, erratically sloped grasslands, and sprawling valleys, all dotted with blue oaks and patches of chaparral.  This is a remote land where the prairie falcon soars and the coyote still howls at night, out of the sight and sound of cars and houses.  The trail route includes scenic vistas on wide trails to narrow trails through Manzanita groves.   The rare Coulter pine is included in the diverse native tree and shrub population.  While the scenic beauty is awe inspiring, the remaining remnants to the hard life of coal and sandstone mining over a hundred years ago will leave a lasting impression about these early California pioneers.

 Highlights of the day & hike include:

• Wildflowers in bloom
• The historic Rose Hill Cemetery which serves as a monument to the lives of former residents and those who lost their lives in mining accidents.
• Jim’s Place – An underground dwelling of unknown origin.  They were out of hot dogs on the prehike.  Better bring your own lunch!
• The remnants of the original coal mining town sites of Nortonville and Somersville.
• For those who detest steep downhill stretches on a gravel trail, we have arranged for a smooth paved trail on the steepest downhill --  all to save your knees.  You’ll thank me for this later.
• Views of Mt. Diablo and the town of Antioch and the Antioch Bridge.  (Only if the 8 mile route is chosen.)
• Visit a portal to a coal mine.  Peer down the once bustling shaft of the Eureka Slope, which was the entrance to the Eureka Coal Mine where more than 150,000 tons of coal was hoisted to the surface in the late 1800s.
• Countless “trees with character”
• Views of the confluence of the San Joaquin and Sacramento rivers near the town of Pittsburg --  the Delta.  This is not to be confused with the confluence of the Allegheny and the Monongahela rivers to form the Ohio River in the real Pittsburgh.     .  (Only if the 8 mile route is chosen.)
• Dinner at Mac’s Old House in Antioch – one of our favorite hiking restaurants.   It is a unique experience and the food is tasty and abundant, particularly after a long hike.  See the menu below.  Prices have not changed from last year.   The current Prime Rib coupon expires soon.  It is generally replaced with a current one.

LUNCH:   Bring your lunch.  A lunch break is planned for mid hike on the Coal Canyon Trail.

TRAVEL TIME / DISTANCE / PARKING:  Travel time is approximately an hour and 45 minutes and 102 miles from Lincoln.  We will stop for dinner prior to returning home to Lincoln.  Suggested contribution for riders is $15.  Detailed driving directions will be handed out to all drivers.   Note that this is a state park with a $5.00 per car parking fee unless you are in possession of a state park pass or the kiosk is closed, as it was on the prehike.  Also the toll on the Antioch Bridge when returning to Lincoln is $4.00, but waived if carpool hours are in effect, which should be the case if we complete dinner by 7:00.

HIKE LEADER / SWEEP:  Dennis Ratay / Margaret Ratay  

SPECIAL NOTES:

            FACILITIES AVAILABLE:  A comfort station is available at the trailhead.  

            PREPARATIONS FOR HIKE:  Hiking boots and poles recommended.  Shade is limited on many parts of the trail, so bring sun screen, a hat and plenty of water.  Did I mention plenty of water?  Bring it.    

          RISKS:   One sighting of Poison Oak was noted on the prehike but was off the trail and easily avoided.     Also some wider trails were kinda rough, thanks to cows using them when they were wet and muddy.  So these trails are full of holes and ruts and a bit harder to walk on.  Hopefully they will be smoothed out by the hike date.

          QUESTIONS:   Call Dennis Ratay at 543-9935.

 MEETING TIME:  7:30 AM  -- Leaving time: 7:45 AM.

  RAIN CANCELS HIKE

MAC’S OLD HOUSE MENU