Waterfall loop at Mount Diablo State Park

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Waterfall loop at Mount Diablo State Park

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(7 votes, 1 review)

Difficulty: Moderate
Length: 6.5 miles / 10.5 km
Duration: Half day

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Overview: While Mount Diablo State Park is best known for towering vistas from the mountain's twin East Bay summits, the seasonal rains that visit the San Francisco Bay Area every year create several scenic waterfalls in the mountain's rugged canyons.

This hike starts out from the Regency Gate in the East Bay town of Clayton -- parking is free in the neighborhood: be polite and do not abuse the privilege.

Thanks to EveryTrail user Edgar Stiles for tracking this route. His hike:

Regency Gate > Donner Canyon Road > Cardinet Oaks Road > Falls Trail > Middle Trail > Meridian Ridge Road > Meridian Point Trail > Back Creek Trail > Back Creek Road > Regency Gate.

Mount Diablo phone: 925-837-2525

Hours: 8 a.m. to sunset.

There is no drinking water at this trailhead, though you could filter water from the seasonal stream.

Tips: This route can be very muddy; try to wait a few days after the most recent rain to give the trails a chance to dry out.

Driving directions: From I-680 at Walnut Creek, take Ygnacio Valley Road east to Clayton Road, turn right on Clayton Road, and right on Marsh Creek Road. Turn right at Regency Drive and park at the end of the road.

Points of Interest

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Regency Gate-Trailhead

The hike starts out here from Regency Drive in the town of Clayton.

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Donner Canyon waterfall

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Falls Trail first waterfall

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Falls Trail second waterfall

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Falls Trail third waterfall

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Falls Trail waterfall from Donner Creek

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Waterfall on Back Creek Trail

Pictures in this guide taken by: edgarstiles

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Whew! I'm new to hiking and this trail was a doosy for me at some parts but the view was totally worth it. Once we got into the heart of the Cabinet Oaks Road, the incline got pretty serious and the sweating began! The trails were easy to follow but once on Falls Trail, it gets very narrow! Between POI #5 and POI#6, the trail is hard to distinguish and we were momentarily lost but picked it up thanks to my trusty GPS and the Everytrail App. The Waterfalls themselves were a little underwhelming since we haven't had a lot of rain but the view of the Clayton Valley was spectacular. The rest of the trail was great once down the hill, shaded and a slow steep. We cut back over to the Cabinet Oaks Road via the Fire Road and did not hike the Back Creek Trail, my group and I were worn out so we called it quits but it was a great route and a great workout!
Visited on Feb 18, 2013

by kelofro on Feb 20, 2013