Name: Mt. Diablo Summit via Back Creek Trail (13.2 miles), Strenuous, No Dogs
Start: 2024-11-17T08:30:00-08:00
End: 2024-11-17T16:30:00-08:00

**Stats:**
**Distance: 13.2 miles**
**Total Elevation Gain: 3707 ft**
**Rating: Strenuous**
**Pace: Moderate (20-25 minute miles)**
**Expected Time: < 8 hours**

**12-12x12+**
**This hike counts for those of you participating in the 2024 Hike-On Challenge. Complete 12 hikes with Hike-On! that are 12 miles or more in 12 months of 2024. Hikers participating in the challenge will receive priority if there is a waiting list.**

**Hike Overview**
Join me for this iconic hike to Mt. Diablo Peak via Back Creek. Our return takes us to Juniper Campground and down past Deer Flats, making this hike a giant loop. I am rating this hike Strenuous due to the distance and elevation gain. You can expect some steep sections on the trails, both going up and down. The trails can be rocky in places. We will hike at a moderate pace, 20-25 minute miles, and regroup at trail junctions. Please make sure you can keep a moderate pace as it is getting dark early and we must return before suset. Faster hikers are welcome but will need to wait for me to catch up at all trail junctions and gates. We will take a break at the peak for lunch. This hike is somewhat exploratory as it has been a couple years since I hiked this route and I won’t have a chance to pre-hike it beforehand. I will modify the route if necessary. Please be patient.

**Rain**
If it is raining I will cancel the hike and reschedule on a later date when the weather conditions are more favorable.

**Dogs**
Sorry, no dogs. Dogs are not allowed in Mt. Diablo State park.

**Be Prepared**
Please prepare with warm layered clothing, at minimum a fleece, windbreaker, gloves and hat are recommended. Also bring sunscreen, sturdy hiking shoes/boots, poles if you use them, and at least three liters of water. There are bathrooms and water at the summit.

**Cautions**
Poison oak is possible. Ticks are common. Rattlesnakes are also a possibility

**Meeting Point/Staging Area**
We will meet at the Mitchell Canyon Visitor Center. It costs $6.00 to park, ($1.00 discount for seniors). You can pay in advance using the YODEL App which is very convenient. If you choose to pay at the gate, bring the exact amount and give yourself a little extra time to sign in. We will meet in front of the visitor’s center.

**The Route**
Behind the visitor center take Mitchell Canyon Rd, but quickly turn to the left onto Oak Road. Turn R on Coulter Pines Trail, and stay straight as it becomes Bruce Lee Trail. Turn R at Back Creek Trail. At Meridian, take a quick R and then L onto Bald Ridge Trail. Take the trail to Prospector’s Gap Road and go R. In a short distance turn R onto North Peak Trail. At the Road, take a R onto Summit Trail, cross Summit Road, and continue on the trail to Mt. Diablo Summit.. We will take a lunch break at the top. Go down the Summit trail to the parking lot and take Juniper Trail. Stay on Juniper trail to the campground. Go R through the campground. Take Dear Flat Road. Stay R at Burma Trail Junction and stay on Meridian Ridge Trail. Go L at Mitchell Canyon Road, past Deer Flats and all the way back to the Mitchell visitor center and cars.

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Mt. Diablo Summit via Back Creek Trail (13.2 miles), Strenuous, No Dogs

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Mt. Diablo Summit via Back Creek Trail (13.2 miles), Strenuous, No Dogs

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