SF Bay Area DPC: March 5, Mt. Diablo canyons

02/28/2005 12:35:09 AM · #1

I think that's what we decided to do in this thread.

So now all we have to do is figure out meeting time and place. I'd suggest something mid-morning like 10:00, but I don't know the park at all; does anyone know where a good meeting point will be? Is there a visitor's center?

Hope to see y'all there!

Damon

Tamron SP AF 28-75mm f/2.8 XR Di for Canon

02/28/2005 02:14:16 AM · #2

10:00 sounds ok w me.. Theres a visitors center at the top. But Alice was talking about meeting at some canyons??

BrennanOB

Canon EOS-1D Mark II

02/28/2005 02:19:06 AM · #3

I was away last week, and am glad to see that this thread has been busy. I used to ride the eastern slopes of Mt. Diablo quite a bit so here is my information dump, It isn't very polished but I just thought I would get it out there and see what people felt was the direction they were interested in.

This site gives a nice over view of one photographer's view of the park.photography by Brad Perks

Though it mostly deals with the more popular and crowded western approach. This route takes you up to the summit where on a clear day you can see from the Sierras to the Faralon Islands, It is also a popular spot with astronomy clubs who arrange with the rangers to set up telescopes in the summit parking lot on certain moonless nights.
About one third of way between the summit and the entry is Sentinal rock and Rock City a jumble of massive sandstone bolders set in a Manzinita and scrub oak chaparral. Of course it is also the start of poison oak season and it loves to grow with this sort of scrub. Long pants and a bit of awarness are a good idea.

The less common aproach is to go all the way around by Clayton to Mitchell Canyon. This is the back end of the park, a pain in the rear to reach and therefore the most wild, least trammled and most flowered.

Mitchell Canyon

Trailhead:
End of Mitchell Canyon Road, north entrance to park, near the town of Clayton. Park in staging area (water and toilets) - parking fee.
Trail Statistics:
Level except for slight rise and descent near trailhead. One mile to junction with Red Road, another mile to limit of level part. A well graded fire road.

Description:
Even a short jaunt into beautiful Mitchell Canyon is rewarding. The banks along the road display a large variety of wildflowers, almost like a museum display, from midwinter to the end of spring. Dramatic outcrops of red rock loom high overhead, and your step will liven up to the gentle watery tune of Mitchell Creek at trailside, well into late spring. The level part of the road is a nature trail, and your enjoyment of the natural features will be enhanced with the trail guide, "Mitchell Canyon Trail" available in the Summit Visitor Center. On sunny days, this is prime butterfly country.

This is the main access point to trails on the mountain's north side. From here you can hike to Deer Flat (3.7 miles) or all the way to the summit (6.8 miles) by way of Juniper Camp. Here is a pretty coolPanorama of Mitchell canyon as it looked a few weeks ago on a nice day.

The last route is from the north by Saddle Rock, but this is mostly mature oak forest and grass lands, and not as interesting as the other two entries at this time of the year, unless you want to ride a horse, as this is where most of the rental stables are

02/28/2005 02:31:35 AM · #4

Thank you for the info, Brennan.

I would be very interested in Rock City... What about you guys?

Those Brad Perks photos are soo nice, gives you some inspiration :)

Nikon AF Zoom-Nikkor 70-200mm f/2.8 VR DG IF-ED

02/28/2005 02:41:05 AM · #5

I live Aprox 20minutes from the foot of mt.diablo coming in from clayton. Is everybody going to meet on the summit or at one of the entrances. Maybe we could all meet at a denny's or something similar for an early morning breakfast in the city of concord or walnut creek which is real close to some of the entry points to Mt.Diablo.

md8speed

Nikon D200

02/28/2005 02:54:50 AM · #6

Sounds like fun! I'll be there if I can make it this weekend! Are there any plans on places to hit in the park, or just explore as we go?

02/28/2005 02:55:26 AM · #7

My input:

Let's do Rock City first, as it seems fairly accessible, and then see what we want to do afterward.

Don, I like the idea of meeting at a Denny's or somesuch, but I worry about the time it would take. I think it would be nice to get as much of the morning light as (reasonably) possible, so maybe we should do the Denny's afterward?

Damon

02/28/2005 01:10:48 PM · #8

I'm having a bit of trouble finding all these threads, but persistance pays off.

Rock City should be a great spot to start. Lots of weird rock formations along with some madrones with bright red, very smooth, trunks. And other stuff too. That way, if there is any fog at the summit, it will have a chance to burn off before trying for the top with its 360 view of the area. (If people want to).

Another suggestion re food, is to brown bag it thus getting to stay a bit longer. The nearest food is quite a distance away.

Sonda and I will probably get there between 9 and 9:30...

Alice

02/28/2005 02:09:53 PM · #9

Ok.. Rock City.. We'll be there at 9.. Ouch, I can't stay up on Friday :(( ..

But anything for a few good pictures eh :)

02/28/2005 10:47:23 PM · #10

Someone pm me or post in this thread the exact location of ROCKCITY , which gate entrance do I whant to go in and is thier a visitor site at this loaction that we all are meeting up at. I have been to the summit plenty of times I just don't rember were ROCKCITY is. Thanx. - don - .

03/01/2005 01:49:03 AM · #11

It's on the South Gate Road, #2 on thisMap

Just a picknic area I think..

03/01/2005 02:00:13 AM · #12

Sonda is too quick for me. Here is another Brochure with Map (map is on page 5) that might be easier to read. Rock City is closer to the South Entrance and from Brentwood it might be a tough choice whether to take the South Entrance or the North.

I'm coming in from the North because I wouldn't miss that great drive through the park for anything...

03/02/2005 07:17:46 PM · #13

All right, South Gate Road, #2 on the map it is.

Sonda and sfalice, if you're going to be there at 9, I'll try to get there sometime around then... but no promises. I am NOT the morningest person you'll ever meet, and I rarely even get UP before 9, let alone be more than an hour from home by then... but I'll do my best, and won't arrive later than 10.

For the sake of identification, here's what I'll look like: if the weather is warm, I'll be sporting my long blond hair (as seen in my self portrait)

if it's chilly, I'll have on a bright red knit cap.

See you all there!
Damon

03/03/2005 01:11:07 AM · #14

Damon! recognize you anywhere from that one!

See you Saturday. (No guarantees on precisely 9:00am from here, either.)

03/03/2005 01:26:46 PM · #15

Last call , Last call Anybody else whant to jump on the wagon to MT.Diablo. The weather should be great. Look forward to seeing you again sonda ad meeting the rest of the group. See all you guys sat.

Message edited by author 2005-03-03 13:27:38.

03/04/2005 01:04:04 AM · #16

Originally posted by DDYJR:

Last call , Last call Anybody else whant to jump on the wagon to MT.Diablo. The weather should be great. Look forward to seeing you again sonda ad meeting the rest of the group. See all you guys sat.

Just thought I'd add that even if the weather is wet, I'll still be there. Rain does make for great colors :)

Damon

Canon EF 17-40mm f/4.0L USM

03/04/2005 01:12:23 AM · #17

Originally posted by mycelium:

Originally posted by DDYJR:
Last call , Last call Anybody else whant to jump on the wagon to MT.Diablo. The weather should be great. Look forward to seeing you again sonda ad meeting the rest of the group. See all you guys sat.

Just thought I'd add that even if the weather is wet, I'll still be there. Rain does make for great colors :)I'm in agreement Damon rain or shine I'll also be there,kinda like the U.S postal service.

Damon

akshayvh

Canon EOS-7D

03/04/2005 01:23:26 AM · #18

I'm actually in the Bay Area and was keen on making it; but something's come up for the weekend. Maybe next time =)

03/04/2005 04:42:13 PM · #19

Should be nice tomorrow.. Looking forward to meeting you guys as well :)

Ok Akshay.. too bad :(

Anyone else ??

Bump.

03/05/2005 02:19:55 AM · #20

Final call for adventuresome Bay Area DPCers!
Looks like it'll be Sonda, Don (DDYJR), sfalice, and me.
Join us, if you will!

Damon

Nikon AF Nikkor 50mm f/1.4D

03/05/2005 06:47:01 PM · #21

Just got back home about 1hr ago. Reviewed my shots I got some really cool stuff and I also got some candids of some of the worlds finest photographers strutting thier stuff(hehe).Me and my boy had a great time. Nice meeting all you guys and seeing you again "sonda".I'll post a link to my pics tomorrow, I'm going to go take a nap now. After working all night and then doing a 6hr. excursion I'm beat. - Take care. -

LowLght

Nikon D70

03/05/2005 07:11:40 PM · #22

I'm working in Palo Alto during the week and am wondering if anyone knows of some good parks around that ares? With the time about to switch I'm thinking I might be able to get out for an hour or two after work.

Thanks
J

Bear_Music

Samsung Galaxy S24 Ultra

Sony 24-70mm F4 Vario-Tessar T* FE OSS

03/05/2005 09:04:11 PM · #23

Originally posted by LowLght:

There's a fine, fine nature preserve hust off the freeway in the Los Altos Hills. The name escapes me right now. My sister lives within walking distance, I can find out from her if you can't locate it on a map. We go up there every time I visit her.

Robt.

BrennanOB

Canon EOS-1D Mark II

Tamron SP AF 28-75mm f/2.8 XR Di for Canon

03/05/2005 09:29:49 PM · #24

First rough edits, nice meeting you all, hope to see what the rest of you got.
Brennan

Message edited by author 2005-03-05 21:31:33.