What we’re about
Hiking with Friends is a group from Walnut Creek Friends Church and others who enjoy hiking the hills in Contra Costa County and other Bay Area locations. This group is for anyone who enjoys making new friends and exploring the great outdoors while developing stronger relationships with Jesus, nature, and one another.
Upcoming events (2)
See all- Briones Regional Park - Springhill Crescent Loop - LafayetteBriones Springhill Trailhead, Lafayette, CA
The views from this trail just go on and on and the hills are beginning to turn green this time of year. So I hope you can join me on this awesome mid to strenuous 5.87 mile loop with total altitude gain of 1,368 feet. A perfect workout to workoff your Thanksgiving feast.
We start out pretty easy on Buckeye Ranch trail through an oak forest. We then head up about 800 ft on the Sunrise trail with views of the Diablo and Central Valleys - and perhaps the Sierras - the entire way up. After the summit we return via several ups and downs along the Briones Crest, Crescent Ridge, Seaborg, Lafayette Ridge, and Springhill trails. Dogs are welcome.
Here is a map for your reference.
• What we'll do:
Let's meet up at the Springhill Road trail head in Lafayette at 9:00 am, just know that parking is limited. Alternatively, you can carpool with me from the Walnut Creek Friends Church back parking lot leaving promptly at 8:30 am. Just let me know ahead of time if you want to meet me there.• What to bring:
Expect a cool morning and hike. Bring plenty of water, layered clothing, hiking boots/sturdy shoes, snacks, and as always - an attitude for making friends.Doug
- The Amphitheater on Mt Diablo6415 Morgan Territory Rd, Clayton, CA
This is a very historic spot located on the southeast side of Mt. Diablo, complete with stellar views of the mountain, an Amphitheater rock formation, plus several Native American grinding holes nearby.
This is a moderate 3.35 mile hike with cumulative vertical gain of 787 ft. (see map for details)
The trailhead is located at the Red Corral on Morgan Territory Road past Clayton.
Our hike includes the following trails:
- Old Finley Road
- Amphitheater Trail (Snacks at the Amphitheater)
You can meet me at the Red Corral trailhead along Morgan Territory Road at 9:30 am, just know that parking there is limited (see https://what3words.com/sleep.coupon.champions for the exact location).
Alternatively you can meet me at the Walnut Creek Friends Church back parking lot at 8:45 am to carpool, please let me know ahead of time if you want to carpool to confirm arrangements. 
In either case, be sure to bring sturdy shoes, water to drink, a snack to eat, a hat to wear, and an attitude for making friends.If the rains persist, also plan on muddy shoes. So bring an extra pair and a plastic bag for when you get back to the car. The rains also bring beautiful green hills for us to enjoy.
I'm looking forward to sharing this very special place with you all.
Doug
