Vasco Caves Regional Preserve Hike (EBRPD)
Meet: Round Valley Staging Area
Behold Vasco's spectacular outcrops, vernal pools -- endangered amphibians and fairy shrimp. This is habitat for eagles and various nesting and migrating raptors hunting bountiful prey in robust restored grasslands. Archaeological sites contain Indian rock art, part of a complex reaching back nearly 10,000 years. This Preserve is accessible through guided tours only. Reservations Required 1-888-EBPARKS (1-888-327-2757), option 2,3.
Find Some Flowers (EBRPD)
Location: Black Diamond Mines Regional Preserve
Leader: Bob Kanagi
Meet: Parking lot at south end of Somersville Road
Our new wildflower season should be ready to burst forth. We'll try to find a trail (TBD) that has a nice selection of blooms. No registration is required. For information call (510) 544-2751.
Hiking Through Time (EBRPD)
Location: Black Diamond Mines Regional Preserve
Leader: Outdoor Ed
Meet: Parking lot at south end of Somersville Road
Steer clear of winter mud and discover the ancient and modern history of these sandy hills along two moderate miles of Chaparral. No registration is required. For information call (510) 544-2750.
Lime Ridge Hike (City of Walnut Creek)
Leader: Ranger Janke (925) 930-7731
Meet: parking lot at Cowell and Ygnacio
Put on your good hiking boots, grab a water bottle, a snack and a hat, because we're going on a hike. Ranger Art Janke will lead the hike through oak woodlands, grasslands, and inland scrub habitats that are the home of a great variety of animals. No reservation is necessary unless you're bringing a group of 5 or more. RAIN CANCELS.
Love-ly Wildflowers (EBRPD)
Location: Black Diamond Mines Regional Preserve
Leader: Outdoor Ed
Meet: Parking lot at south end of Sommersville Road in Antioch
Bring your sweetie, or good friend along on a modest hike to search for early bloomers and to learn why flowers are how plants say 'I love you!' This is a drop-in program; no registration is required. For information call (510) 544-2750.
Amorous Amphibians (EBRPD)
Location: Black Diamond Mines Regional Preserve
Leader: Outdoor Ed
Meet: Parking lot at south end of Sommersville Road in Antioch
Love is in the air, but especially in the water! Search for slimy salamanders, frogs, and newts in the waterways of Black Diamond on an easy and possibly muddy, hike. No registration is required. For information call (510) 544-2750.
Hazel-Atlas History (EBRPD)
Location: Black Diamond Mines Regional Preserve
Leader: Bob Kanagaki
Meet: Parking lot at south end of Somersville Road
Get ready for the re-opening of the mining museum with a hike around the surface workings of the Hazel-Atlas Mine. No registration is required. For information call (510) 544-2751
Vasco Caves Regional Preserve Hike (EBRPD)
Meet: Brushy Peak Regional Preserve, Laughlin Staging Area
Behold Vasco's spectacular outcrops, vernal pools -- endangered amphibians and fairy shrimp. This is habitat for eagles and various nesting and migrating raptors hunting bountiful prey in robust restored grasslands. Archaeological sites contain Indian rock art, part of a complex reaching back nearly 10,000 years. This Preserve is accessible through guided tours only. Reservations Required 1-888-EBPARKS (1-888-327-2757), option 2,3.
Falls Trail - Black Creek Loop (MDIA)
Location: Mount Diablo State Park
Leader: Helene Crowley, (415) 974-2209, or crowh_8558@yahoo.com.
Meet: at the end of Regency Drive, Clayton.
In winter (rainy season) and throughout spring, the Falls Trail offers fine views of the mountain's most spectacular attraction, at least four, and sometimes more, waterfalls up to 100 feet high. Spring also brings astounding displays of wildflowers, and the colorful rock formations are worth the trip at any time. A little over 6 miles, 1300 ft. climb (includes canyon crossings). In winter and early spring, roads at lower elevation may be muddy. Any rain cancels. Bring: Trekking poles, layers, fluids, snack/lunch, and sunscreen.
Wonderful Views of Mt. Diablo and the History of Morgan Territory
Hike SMD’s Wright Canyon (SMD)
Leader: Dick Heron (925) 719-1863 or HYPERLINK "mailto:herondick@comcast.net" herondick@comcast.net
Meet: Clayton Library
Join Dick Heron, member of SMD’s Stewardship Committee, for a hike of our Wright Canyon property. This 76-acre property was a key location for Morgan Territory’s rich history of offers wonderful views of Mt. Diablo’s peaks – the summit, North Peak, Windy Point, and Oyster Point. SMD recently dedicated a monument to the Wright family at the “gathering place” – a place on the property with special significance for the family. The property is not open to the public and this hike gives you a special opportunity to experience a hidden area of Morgan Territory during the spring wildflower season.
http://www.savemountdiablo.org/home.htm
Birds of Brushy Peak (EBRPD)
Leader: Outdoor Ed
Location: Brushy Peak Regional Preserve
Meet: North end of Laughlin Rd - Laughlin Staging Area
A leisurely four+ mile hike with hills. Raptors and beautiful vistas are your reward. Can be very cold and windy! No registration required, drop-in program, for info (510) 544-3240
Discover Hidden Valley and See What’s New in the Tassajara Valley (SMD)
Location: Hidden Valley Open Space
Leader: Seth Adams (925) 947-3535
Meet: Hiker gate on Longleaf Circle, San Ramon
Hidden Valley open Space is amazing! A tilted, 1,000 acre grassland bowl at the northwest corner of Windemere development in San Ramon, the Open Space and its creeks drain into Hidden Valley Park. This hike offers spectacular views of Mount Diablo and the Tassajara valley. Join us to discover this brand new open space and learn about some of the projects that are threatening the Tassajara valley.
http://www.savemountdiablo.org/home.htm
Mount Olympia at Mount Diablo State Park - CNPS
Leader: Gregg Weber (510) 223-3310
Meet: Head east on Marsh Creek Road and turn right onto Regency Drive. Go three blocks on Regency Drive, then turn left onto Rialto Drive and follow it to the end.
Gregg Weber will return to the canyons above Clayton to see many late winter flowers, with possible performances by sun, sky and clouds. Winter blooms to look for should include two species of manzanita, violas, Nemophila, and some early composites in flower. This is a strenuous walk with 2300 elevation gain on the way out, and all downhill on the return trip. The round trip distance is about 8 miles, so the trip will take 6-7 hours. Bring lunch and water and be prepared for a wide range of temperatures. The trip will proceed despite official predictions of rain, and we will decide on the day of the trip if the weather is sufficiently inclement before returning. If there is a heavy rain the trip will take place on February 28.
Pine Creek Peek (EBRPD)
Location: Diablo Foothills Regional Park
Leader: Outdoor Ed
Meet: Castle Rock Staging Area
Walk along mostly flat, sandy trails to a place nested among canyons and crags, ripe with winter rains, and host to a wealth of natural beauty. We'll see if 'Little Yosemite' is bursting forth, too. No registration is required. For information call (510) 544-2750
Eagle Peak and Mt. Diablo Falls (Sierra Club)
Location: Eagle Peak, Mt. Diablo State Park
Leader: Steve Bakaley 925) 945-8205, or slbakaley@lbl.gov
Meet: Mitchell Canyon Staging Area - $6 parking
Climb Eagle Peak (2369 ft) from the wild north side and return via Donner and Back canyons on a moderately paced but strenuous 9+ mi loop. Be prepared for cold winds, mud, and poison oak. Return to cars approx 5:30pm. Optional dinner stop after hike. Any rain cancels. Bring: lunch, liquids (the equivalent of 2 liters of water), and warm clothing.
Vasco Caves Regional Preserve Hike (EBRPD)
Meet: Round Valley Staging Area
Behold Vasco's spectacular outcrops, vernal pools -- endangered amphibians and fairy shrimp. This is habitat for eagles and various nesting and migrating raptors hunting bountiful prey in robust restored grasslands. Archaeological sites contain Indian rock art, part of a complex reaching back nearly 10,000 years. This Preserve is accessible through guided tours only. Reservations Required 1-888-EBPARKS (1-888-327-2757), option 2,3.
Watering and non-native weed removal on Save Mount Diablo’s Marsh Creek IV Property. Meet at 9 a.m. at 3240 Aspara Dr., Clayton 94517.
Contact George (925) 525-8305 if you have any questions.
Pine Canyon Hike (Sierra Club)
Leader: Albert Chiu, (510) 339-3320 This is a moderately paced hike to explore the foothills of Mt Diablo and to look for early spring wildflowers. The hike is 11-12 miles with a steep climb at the beginning and with frequent stops to identify wildflowers. Bring: lunch, liquids, snacks to share and layered clothing. Meet at Borges Ranch in Walnut Creek. Head east on Ygnacio Valley Rd. from Walnut Creek then right onto Walnut Ave. to traffic circle and go right and then right onto Castle Rock Rd. Go about a mile and turn right onto Borges Ranch Rd. Any rain cancels.
Find Some Flowers (EBRPD)
Location: Black Diamond Mines Regional Preserve
Leader: Bob Kanagi
Meet: Parking lot at south end of Somersville Road
Our new wildflower season should be ready to burst forth. We'll try to find a trail (TBD) that has a nice selection of blooms. No registration is required. For information call (510) 544-2751.
Bright Winter Stars (LARPD)
Location: Sycamore Grove Park
Leader: Ranger Glen Florey (925) 373-5700
Meet: Wetmore Road Entrance
Orion, is the mighty hunter shining in the night skies at this time of year when the nights are cold. It is a perfect time to come out to Sycamore Grove for an evening of astronomy. The summer stars may be better known, but the winter skies have at least as many beautiful sights. Please dress warmly, and wear comfortable walking shoes. Cancelled if raining; night hike if cloudy.
Vasco Caves Regional Preserve Hike (EBRPD)
Meet: Round Valley Staging Area
Behold Vasco's spectacular outcrops, vernal pools -- endangered amphibians and fairy shrimp. This is habitat for eagles and various nesting and migrating raptors hunting bountiful prey in robust restored grasslands. Archaeological sites contain Indian rock art, part of a complex reaching back nearly 10,000 years. This Preserve is accessible through guided tours only. Reservations Required 1-888-EBPARKS (1-888-327-2757), option 2,3.
Southside Story (Greenbelt Alliance)
Location: Danville - Mount Diablo State Park
Leaders: Karen Synowiec and Ken Lavin
Meet: Macedo Ranch Staging Area, north end of Green Valley Rd. $10 parking.
Join us on a foray to discover the natural and human history of Mount Diablo’s south side. We’ll see early season wildflowers, fascinating geological features, and view the route of the 19th century Mount Diablo stagecoach up Pine Canyon. Open to all. Registration Required (415) 255-3233 info@greenbelt.org .
http://www.greenbelt.org/getinvolved/outings/outings_reservationsw10.html
Shell Ridge Open Space Hike (Mount Diablo Group and Sierra Singles)
Leader: Diane Smith, (925) 935-2869
Meet: End of Marshall Drive, Walnut Creek. From Highway 24 take Ygnacio Valley Road, make right on Homestead Avenue, make left on Marshall Drive. Join leader, Diane Smith, on this hike in the Shell Ridge Open Space, Walnut Creek. This is the first in a series of three beginner hikes. We will walk about 5 miles and climb a few hills (including one steep downhill section), while learning about places to hike, proper clothing and equipment, safety and other hiking skills. Wear sturdy shoes or hiking boots. Be prepared for mud. Any rain cancels. Bring: Water, lunch, snacks, sunscreen, sun hat, hiking poles (only if you already have them).
Botanizin’ Bushwhackers - LARPD
Location: Veterans Park, Livermore
Leader: Pat Sotelo (925) 373-5700
Meet: Veterans Park
Ever wondered what kinds of plants, bushes and trees we’ve got growing here in the parks? On this fast-paced tour of the “outback” of Veterans and Sycamore Grove Parks, we’ll discover the unique plants that thrive in the floodplain of the Arroyo Del Valle. Wear clothes that can get wet and dirty; we’ll be going off-trail for this adventure.