EAGLE PEAK HIKE AT MOUNT DIABLO STATE PARK
SATURDAY, FEBRUARY 27, 2016


NOTE:  This hike has not been prehiked by Sue Geisler.  The leader will be Sue’s brother, Rich McDrew, who has hiked the trail many times and is one of the volunteers who helped write the book, Hiker’s Guide to Mount Diablo State Park.  Currently, Rich is Vice-President of the Mount Diablo Interpretive Association, and in the past has been President of the Association 5 times.

DIFFICULTY:  Strenuous

CUMULATIVE CLIMB:  3101 feet  (Cumulative climb, as defined in the above mentioned hiking book “is the elevation gain in feet when the trail is going uphill”.)   Starting elevation — 600 feet.
Highest elevation (Eagle Peak)— 2369 feet.

HIKE DISTANCE:  8 miles, loop hike

GENERAL LOCATION:  In Mount Diablo State Park — north section of the Park outside the town of Clayton

DESCRIPTION:  Mount Diablo State Park has some very scenic areas and this loop trail offers outstanding views, traversing through a variety of habitats — meadows, oak savanna, chaparral, and rocky summits. The high point will be Eagle Peak — described as a “rocky belvedere from which to admire the expanse of Contra Costa’s “Central Valley”!  The trail to the Peak is “an exciting ridge trail, often only a few feet wide, with sharp drop-offs on each side.”
Never fear though!! — it is a safe trail to climb, but steep.  As there are several rocks on Eagle Peak, we will stop there for our lunch break.  And for a lucky few, there is a hidden bench to sit on!!
     When we arrive at Mitchell Canyon, we will take about 10 minutes to browse the Visitor’s Center before starting the hike.  The Mount Diablo hiking book along with other “goodies” are available for sale.
     After the hike, we will stop for dinner at a favorite restaurant, Skipolini’s Pizza, in Clayon.  Hikers not wishing to stay for dinner may drive directly back to Lincoln, but those hikers would all need to travel in the same car.

TRAVEL TIME/DISTANCE:  Approximately 2 hour drive and 100 miles.   Return time to Lincoln, if staying for dinner at the restaurant, might be 7:30 or 8:00 pm.  A donation of $15 is suggested for riders.  There is a $5 entrance fee for seniors at Mitchell Canyon— and will be shared with those in each car. Please bring $1 dollar bills for entrance fee.  If you have State Park passes, please bring them — thank you.  Driving directions — see below and please print before coming to the hike, if driving.

HIKE LEADER:  Rich McDrew  SWEEP:  Sue Geisler

SPECIAL NOTES:  
     FACILITIES:  Flush toilets at the Mitchell Canyon entrance
     PREPARATION FOR HIKE: 
        1)  If your have any health issue, please consider your condition before hiking.
        2)  Bring a copy of your ID (driver’s license), health card, and an emergency contact name and phone number with you on the hike.
        3)  Always bring 2 pairs of shoes, along with a plastic bag to store your muddy/dusty hiking boots after the hike.
        4)  Bring lunch, water, hiking boots, and warm & layered clothing.  Trekking poles are recommended, but not required.

RISKS:  Trail could be slippery in sections if wet, hence the value of having trekking poles.
Ticks are a problem, but spraying pant legs with a Deet product will deter the ticks from latching onto you.  Wear light colored pants.  Tuck pant legs into socks.  Tuck shirt into pants.  Mosquitoes might be an issue.  Poison oak is prevalent but can be avoided.

QUESTIONS:  Call Sue Geisler at 408-1010.

RAIN CANCELS HIKE.  Be sure to check the website the day or night before the hike. 

MEETING TIME:  7:15 AM  Meet at Row 14 in the Orchard Creek Parking Lot. 
LEAVING TIME:  7:30 AM. 

DRIVING DIRECTIONS - Maps will be handed out to all drivers to accompany these directions.