Craving some Yosemite? Head to Diablo Foothills Park in Walnut Creek
We met some friends for a mellow 90-minute afternoon stroll, which like on “Gilligan’s Island,” turned into a three-hour tour. Gilligan never made it home, but don’t worry – we did. And this six-plus mile loop into the heart of Diablo Foothills Regional Park was one to remember.
Access to this park is easy, even in these crazed pandemic times. The East Bay Regional Park District has closed the last quarter mile of road and requires everyone to park in a large gravel spot near the equestrian area.
Don’t look for a restroom or drinking fountain; they are all closed. But if you want shady trails, wind-protected ravines and a walk near the coveted peregrine falcon breeding grounds, then this is a nice place to visit.
Lose the crowds
We walked into the park via a combination of paved and dirt trails until we passed Castle Rock Recreation Area. Hop on Castle Rock Trail, which heads directly up Pine Canyon, and get ready to lose the crowds with each step.
The trail is mostly sand and rock, has lots of “Mom, where does this go?” side trails for the kids and even some caves peppered along the route. Pine Creek is dry this time of year, but expect numerous creek crossings and wet shoes in winter.
We followed Castle Rock Trail until we met up with Little Yosemite Trail. This trail is surely a treat but easy to miss if you are not paying attention. Little Yosemite is a singletrack trail that immediately picks up elevation as you cross over into Mt. Diablo State Park (although you’d never know it).
Another world
The rushing water of winter months would make this trail a little better, but it didn’t matter as we were showered with a panorama of beauty. Valley oaks, grassy hills, dry creek beds and one of those days where the clouds all look like mystical creatures from another world created a recipe for feeling good.
Little Yosemite junctions into Briones to Mt. Diablo Regional Trail, a highly exposed fire road that dips and dives back into Diablo Foothills and eventually links up with Buckeye Ravine Trail. This vantage points offers views of China Wall and the cliffs above Castle Rock.
Just as quickly as Little Yosemite blasted you up into the hills above Castle Rock, Buckeye Ravine does just the opposite. The abrupt downhill dive will weaken even the most seasoned trail legs. Much like the rest of this hike, Buckeye Ravine is shaded but very steep in sections – so keep an eye on your footing.
Once back on the canyon floor, we returned to the staging area on Castle Rock Trail. Time permitting, Shell Ridge Loop and Diablo Scenic Trails are always on my list. The trail climbing is serious fun, and the rewards are easy to come by and never get old.
Don’t forget to smile, help others, be cool to your neighbors and go to nature, my friends.
Diablo Foothills Regional Park
- Trails: Castle Rock Trail, Little Yosemite Trail, Briones to Mt. Diablo Trail, Buckeye Ravine Trail
- Distance: 6.8 miles
- Elevation Gain: 1,184 feet
- Time: 3 hours (includes 30-minute scenic detour)
- Trailhead: Gravel parking area off Castle Rock Road (near Equestrian Staging)
- Closures: Castle Rock parking, restrooms, drinking fountains, Castle Rock Singletrack Trail
Contact Kevin Parker with comments or questions by email at LukeHollywood@gmail.com