Footloose in the Foothills

Hike Diablo Foothills Regional Park in the East Bay

03.24.2021
Hiker at Diablo Foothills Regional Park in the East Bay

Diablo Foothills Regional Park is known for its interesting geological formations, but it’s also got a bigger attraction in spring: green rolling hills that help deliver some of the lushest views of Mount Diablo itself. This beautiful 8-mile loop takes you through the majority of the park’s scenic terrain.

Hikers on a trail at Diablo Foothills Regional Park

Hiker and dog at Diablo Foothills Regional Park in the East Bay

Start at the Castle Rock Trail parking lot entrance and take the trail headed south towards the park office. At the first junction, head right to begin the main climb. As you approach the false peak, keep to the left for the Shell Ridge Trail (which begins after a quick drop). Keep left, dipping onto a singletrack trail that weaves through a thicket of ridgeside trees. At your next junction, head right to finish this climb and get the big reward: unobstructed views of Mount Diablo along with a bird’s-eye view of the razor-like rock formations that make up the park’s popular Mammoth Rock. You’ll also have views of the verdant open space for miles.

Person and dog sitting at a bench overlooking the green spring hills at Diablo Foothills Regional Park in the East Bay

After descending into the valley below, keep to the right on the Fairy Lantern Trail, which bursts from the trees into green meadows soon to be blossoming in wildflowers. Follow the Briones to Mount Diablo Regional Trail and continue your climb out of the tree-filled valleys below and get your fill of Mount Diablo views.

Finish up by combining Wall Point Road as it transitions to Dusty Road and then on to Stage Road. Making your way through patches of thick forest and over some small creek crossings, you can see Mammoth Rock in the distance. Once you pass the dam, turn around for a last look at the spiny rock formation on the hillside. At the cattle gate, keep left to follow the connector trail back to where you started.

The hike begins at the Castle Rock Trail entrance, adjacent to the North Peak Equestrian Center. The parking lot offers ample parking; however, we recommend that you begin your hike early since the hike is partially exposed. No water is available at the trailhead. Restrooms available. Dog-friendly!

Story and photos by Brad Hyland, @bradhylandphotography

Trending Stories NorCal

View all Stories
  1. Hiker overlooking Bear Gulch Reservoir at Pinnacles National Park near Monterey

    Pinnacles of Spring

    Why hike at Pinnacles National Park? Spring's a beautiful time of year here. And you might spy the magnificent California condor soaring while you gain soaring views from the High Peaks Trail.

    View

  2. Swing into Spring

    Swing into this 7.1-mile hike in the hills of Half Moon Bay! It’s got gorgeous views, fields of spring wildflowers, and a hidden rustic tree swing.

    View

  3. Talk of the Town

    We're spilling the tea on this bountiful 5.5-mile loop to Gossip Rock in Hayward’s Garin Regional Park (currently whispering all the right springtime notes).

    View
  4. woman hiking the Mendocino Headlands State Park

    Heads Up, Headlands!

    There’s one thing that’s pretty much mandatory when you visit Mendocino and that’s a hike along the famous bluffs. The trail system at Mendocino Headlands State Park is vast, surrounding the village and meandering for miles, with sweeping sea panoramas.

    View

Trending Stories SoCal

View all Stories

  1. Caves in Mojave

    No one expects to see caves when they visit the desert, and that’s part of what makes Mitchell Caverns in the Mojave Desert such an interesting place. Go on a two-hour guided adventure tour through Mitchell Caverns in Providence Mountains State Recreation Area.

    View
  2. Sponsored

    Spring Up to These Amazing Events

    Shake it up, shake it all the way up to this sunniest city in the state for the most unique and fun-fueled events. Redding is true Northern California, surrounded by famous mountains, nearby national parks and recreation areas, and the sparkling Sacramento River.

    View
  3. Hikers by the reservoir at Triunfo Creek Park near Thousand Oaks

    Triumphant in Triunfo

    Go on a hike with a peaceful reservoir, charming meadows, and beautiful spring blooms at Triunfo Creek Park near Thousand Oaks.

    View
  4. Hiker on a trail at George F Canyon Preserve in Ranchos Palos Verdes

    Secret Blooms

    See wildflowers on the Palos Verdes Peninsula via a 2-mile hike through the hidden 51-acre oasis of George F. Canyon Preserve, and a 1.25-mile hike in neighboring Linden H. Chandler Preserve. 

    View