Rocks on the Move

Sunday, November 14
10 a.m. to 4 p.m.

Rating: This is a moderate hike of 4 miles with a couple hundred feet in elevation gain.

Group: Open to all. Reservations required.

Status: Spaces available.

Fees: $10/vehicle park entrance fee.

Leaders: Ken Lavin.

Notes: Join us for an exploration of 190 million years of geologic history on Mount Diablo. First, we’ll hike out to Fossil Ridge to view ancient marine fossils. From there we’ll hike to the iconic wind caves and Sentinel Rock. After lunch, we’ll drive to the Summit and explore the Jurassic rocks along the Mary Bowerman Trail.

Rain Policy: Rain Cancels

What to bring: Wear good hiking shoes. Bring lunch, liquids, dress in layers.

How to get there:
Meet at the Upland picnic area in Rock City at 10 AM. From the west, including Berkeley, Oakland, and SF, follow Route 24 through the Caldecott Tunnel toward Walnut Creek. Take 680 North and exit immediately onto Ygnacio Valley Road. Turn right on Ygnacio Valley Road and follow it east to Oak Grove Road. Turn right. Follow Oak Grove Road to North Gate Road, and then turn left on North Gate Road. Take North Gate Road and head into the park. Continue to the Junction Ranger Station. From there continue on South Gate Road for about 2 ½ miles to Rock City. See map at http://www.mdia.org/parkmap.htm. From north of Walnut Creek (Pleasant Hill, Concord, or Highway 4), follow 680 South, exit Treat Blvd. and follow Treat Blvd. east to Oak Grove Road. Turn right on Oak Grove Road. Continue on Oak Grove Road after crossing Ygnacio Valley Road continuing to North Gate Road. Turn left on North Gate Road and head into the park. Continue to the Junction Ranger Station. From there continue on South Gate Road for about 2 ½ miles to Rock City. See map at http://www.mdia.org/parkmap.htm. From the south (Tri-Valley area), take Interstate 680 North. Exit on Diablo Blvd in Danville traveling to the east. Diablo Road makes several turns en route to Mt. Diablo Scenic Drive (South Gate Road). Continue on Diablo Road past a fire station on the right until you reach Mt. Diablo Scenic Drive. Turn left and follow this road into the park. Rock City is on your left about 1 mile past the South Entrance Station. See map at http://www.mdia.org/parkmap.htm