Walnut Creek, CA: Northern California Chapter, Diablo Foothills Hike

Looking to do some Camino training? Curious what a “20-k” (kilometer) day is like? How about testing your pole skills? Then this hike might be for you. Starting in Shell Ridge Open Space in Walnut Creek, we’ll take the Briones to Mt. Diablo Regional Trail and skirt through Diablo Foothills Regional Park before entering Mt. Diablo State Park. Sticking to the foothills, we’ll tackle a series of moderate ups and downs for a thorough leg workout. After lunch, we’ll loop back past Old Borges Ranch to visit the cute farm animals. With native oaks and rolling hills the entire way, we’ll also check out the interesting rock formations of China Wall – maybe under the watchful eyes of hawks and foxes.

Schedule: Meet us at 9:00 AM for sign-in and briefing at the Shell Ridge Open Space trailhead at the end of Marshall Drive in Walnut Creek. We’ll stop for lunch at Macedo Ranch in Alamo and expect to arrive back at the trailhead around 3:30 PM.

Level of Difficulty: This is a moderately difficult hike due to multiple ups and downs and a total distance of nearly 11 miles with about 1,400 feet of total elevation gain. To make this an enjoyable event for all, please have recent and comparable hike experience. A couple of 8 to 10-mile hikes with several moderate climbs should set you up for success.

Advance online registration is required. Click the REGISTER button above to sign up by Thursday, October 28. Because space is limited to 20 participants, please register if/when you are certain you can attend. If later you are unable to attend, contact us as soon as possible at norcal@americanpilgrims.org.

Getting There: From Northbound 680 (after the 680/24 interchange), take the Ygnacio Valley Road exit in Walnut Creek. Turn right onto Ygnacio Valley Road and head east. Turn right onto Homestead Avenue then left onto Marshall Drive. From Southbound 680, take the North Main Street exit. Turn right onto North Main Street and head south. Turn left onto Ygnacio Valley Road and continue with the same directions above. There is free, street parking at the trailhead and surrounding neighborhood. For exact directions, map to Indian Valley Elementary School, also located at the end of Marshall Drive.

Carpooling: Registered participants will have access to our online “Carpool Bulletin Board” to post a message if they need a ride or can give one.

What to Bring: A bag lunch, snacks, plenty of water, hiking poles are recommended and a hat/sun protection as there is little shade along the path. It could still be quite warm to hot. Also, there are no restrooms or water available at the trailhead. The first facilities will be at the lunch stop about 3 hours after departure. Please plan accordingly.

Leader: Chapter coordinator Guy Joaquin