It is weekend. And something is different than usual … yes: the sun is shining AND Matthias is healthy AND I am healthy – that is yes … exactly … yeiii … we can make an excursion!
Destination: Mount Diablo. Accomponied by Phil and Emma.
Emma & Phil
The drive from Sunnyvale to devil’s mountain takes about 1.5 hours – so do not sleep too long! I personally belong to the rare species of the early risers, so I whistle cheerfully while the others are clawing their coffee cups …
But then we go to the summit. 3849 feet, thats 1160 meters must be overcome. We’ll do it in thirty minutes. This is called car-hiking … 😉
I can already hear the Austrian Alps cry out loud:
“What? Those Amis, driving everywhere…
But hey, no worries. We had only decided not to climb the mountain but to walk a hiking trail around the summit:
Mount Diablo Grand Loop – also known as butt-kicker, because you have to walk 10 miles (16 kilometers) and 2,900 feet elevation change (that would be almost 900 meters).
Here we go!
Start: Park your car at Juniper Campground. Ideally you have your tent – it is a very nice campground. Then go downhill towards the restrooms. Then turn left onto Deer Flat Road. You can enjoy going downhill – and on nice days, like today, you can see San Francisco!
Enjoy the view and admire the nature – at the end of March / early April you will find many beautiful wildflowers!
I am a bit moved seeing those tender creatures rise from the dry and stony soils.
At the fork, keep right and follow the Meridian Ridge Trail. You’ll find (at least in the spring) water in the Deer Flat Creek and on the left and right of the path the largest pine cones ever!
But now it’s over with the cozy part of the path: the butt kicker starts!
At the junction you have to decide. Either you turn right onto the Baldridge Trail and follow the loop – or take a left turn to Eagle Peak. We did that. So: Turn left!
A miraculous path leads up to the summit. But please pay attention to rattlesnakes! We were spared from the sight, but we were told by approaching that they had just seen one! And if you ever meet one: please, don’t follow the motto if attacked – fight back! Get out of their way. And if it still comes to a bite: remain calm. Lay down. Elevate the bitten region and call 911.
Yeiiii it’s fabolous!
Eagle Peak…
…the perfect spot for a little break and snack.
Then follow the path back to where you came from and continue on the Baldridge Trail. It is steep, it goes uphill and downhill – hiking shoes are obligatory! But it is beautiful! And hot it is as well! The sun is pounding down mercilessly: sun cream is also mandatory! And enough water … we do not have enough and therefore suffer a little. But in spite of everything: it’s so nice!
Sometimes the path is very tight and you’ll find on the left and on the right Poison Oak – inhale, to be skinny as Poison Oak you do not want to touch! After contact with the oil, which is on the leaves, an itchy rash develops after a few hours to a few days, which causes the sufferer to despair. Especially sensitive people wear scars of it. Do not pet a dog who just comes back from a Poison Oak field – the oil sticks in the fur!
At the next intersection, turn right onto the North Peak Trail. If you are fit enough you can still make a detour to the North Peak. We are not and simply continue walking 😉
We made it!!!
Now just follow the road downhill to the Juniper Campground where your car has been waiting for you, or go up a little further up the summit trail and then back to the campground via the Juniper Trail.
Back to the car we perspire, have thirst and burned skin and are hungry, but having a bright smile on our faces. It was a great hike, which I would like to recommend to everyone (- but not in high summer).
And what’s the best way to end a perfect day? Of course with Burger and Beer or Coce for the driver 😉 It is still warm enough to sit outside and it is the best burger I have had in the USA so far: Danville Brewing.
This day did me the world of good!
PS: As it is a state park you have to pay either 10,-/car to get in – or you buy the golden puppy pass!