Mt Diablo - Falls Trail Loop

MT. DIABLO -- FALLS TRAIL LOOP
SATURDAY, FEBRUARY 9, 2013

DIFFICULTY: Strenuous

ELEVATION GAIN: Starting elevation -- 600 feet; highest elevation -- 1637 feet; gain -- 1063 feet

HIKE DISTANCE: 7.6 miles (loop hike)

GENERAL LOCATION: Mt. Diablo State Park, Mitchell Canyon entrance near the town of Clayton

DESCRIPTION: Mt. Diablo is a fabulous state park for hiking, and we are fortunate to have as our guide and leader, Rich McDrew, (Sue's brother) who, as a long time member of the Mt. Diablo Interpretive Association, knows the park like the back of his hand. This Falls Trail is one of his favorite hikes! A description from the hiking pamphlet states: "In the winter, the Falls Trail offers fine views of one of Mt. Diablo's most spectacular attractions, several waterfalls up to 100 feet high." Our hiking group traversed this hike in 2004 and enjoyed it immensely!

Due to the distance to Clayton, we may stop for dinner at Skipolini's Pizza before driving back to Lincoln. If you prefer to drive directly home, you may do so, but just be sure you are riding in a car that plans to do the same.

TRAVEL TIME/DISTANCE: Approximately 2 1/4 hours driving time including a bathroom stop in Vacaville. Distance is 103 miles one way. A donation of $15 is suggested for riders. Also there is a $6 parking fee which will divided among riders. If you have a State Park pass, please consider bringing it. Return time to Lincoln will differ depending on whether you stop for dinner or drive directly home.

HIKE LEADER: Sue Geisler and Rich McDrew SWEEP: TBD

SPECIAL NOTES:

FACILITIES: Bathroom at the trailhead (Mitchell Canyon Visitor Center)

PREPARATION FOR HIKE:
1) IF YOU HAVE ANY HEALTH ISSUES, 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 boots after the hike.
4) Bring lunch, water, hiking boots, trekking poles (highly recommended to stream crossings) and layered clothing.

RISKS: Trail might possibly be muddy and slippery plus there are some stream crossings, hence the importance of bringing trekking poles. Ticks are common in the park but can be avoided by tucking your pant legs into your socks, or spraying a DEET product on your pant legs. Poison oak is also common but can be easily avoided.

RAIN CANCELS THE HIKE.

QUESTIONS: Call Sue Geisler at 408-1010.

MEETING TIME: 7:15 AM - Leaving time 7:30 AM. .

Driving directions --- print before coming to the hike, if driving.