Black Diamond in the Rough

Black Diamond Mine Hike for wildflowers and views

Four million tons of “black diamonds” were mined out of Black Diamond Mines Regional Preserve in Antioch. So what remains? A diamond in the rough! Wildflowers are adding sparkle to over 65 miles of trails. Enjoy spring’s spectacle on a 3.5-mile loop through the park’s 158 different wildflower species: Buttercups, three kinds of lupines, and merry blossoms of yellow bush poppies dot a landscape of buckeyes and blue oaks as the trail climbs past views out to Mount Diablo and the bay. After about 1 mile, look for yerba santa and vivid red paintbrush just before a smooth sandstone ledge, the perfect place to rest atop for tranquil views into verdant valleys peppered with ponds. Owl’s clover, blue dicks, and redmaids lead the way to the final descent through lush grasslands and cheerfully chirping red-winged blackbirds. Follow a marked path to the left for a side trip to Rose Hill Cemetery, the historic resting place of former coal mining residents with tombstones dating back to 1865, or continue straight back to the parking lot.

Beginning from the upper parking lot in Black Diamond Mines Regional Preserve, take the broad multi-use Nortonville Trail and turn left on Stewartville Trail. At the signed junction just before a cattle gate, turn right onto Ridge Trail and follow to the junction. Turn right onto Chaparral Loop Trail, left onto Lower Chaparral Trail, and left onto Chaparral Loop. Bear right at the next signed junction, and turn left onto Manhattan Canyon Trail. Turn right onto Black Diamond Trail. Bear right onto Nortonville Trail and take the signed detour left to Rose Hill Cemetery or continue straight back to the trailhead. When the kiosk is attended, $5 for parking and $2 per dog. Dog friendly!

Trending Stories NorCal

View all Stories
  1. Bear Hug

    This 5.5-mile loop through Coyote Lake-Harvey Bear Ranch County Park explores one of the newest segments of the acclaimed Bay Area Ridge Trail, one redolent with trees ranging from madrone and manzanita to buckeye and blue elderberry (with a bubbly post-hike bonus).

    View
  2. Field of Light at Sensorio in Paso Robles

    Light This Way

    Hidden in the bucolic hills of Paso Robles lies one of the greatest light shows on earth. The lighted art exhibition, Sensorio, is as if the rainbow magic of the aurora borealis was plucked from the sky and planted in the fields.

    View
  3. Bikers and walkers on the Bay Area Ridge Trail with the Golden Gate Bridge behind them

    National Park City Walk

    See San Francisco the way locals do by hiking the Presidio, a national park right in the city! Wooded trails, secluded beaches, and epic views of the Golden Gate Bridge feature on this 5.5-mile out-and-back on the Bay Area Ridge Trail. It’s a lovely slice of the City by the Bay.

    View
  4. Bucks Up!

    Come on in, the water is beautiful. Whether you like swimming, kayaking, stand-up paddling, or heading out on a bigger boat, Bucks Lake is a high mountain haven that’s easy to access, blissfully uncrowded, and surrounded by sandy beaches, picnic areas, pines, and aspens.

    View

Trending Stories SoCal

View all Stories
  1. Sponsored

    Tram to Cool Treks

    Elevate your fun, getting whisked from palm trees to alpine wilderness on the world’s largest rotating tramcar. The Palm Springs Aerial Tramway transports you up and away on a 2.5-mile scenic route from the desert floor to the refreshing wilderness of Mount San Jacinto State Park.

    View
  2. Coming Up Roses

    Looking to spice up your hiking life? Give your partner a rose—Mount Rose! The 10-mile out-and-back peak hike goes up to one of the grandest views in all of Lake Tahoe. Get ready f

    View
  3. A group of people clamored around the summit marker at Mission Peak in the Bay Area

    Your Mission Is Less Crowded

    Mission Peak is one of the Bay Area’s most popular mountains, with many hikers climbing every weekend. Skip the crowds with this 6-mile loop up the less-traveled southern route.

    View
  4. Vista Hermosa Park in Echo Park Los Angeles

    Vista Hermosa, Echo That!

    Tucked in Echo Park, the little-known gem of Vista Hermosa Natural Park feels worlds away thanks to its serene beauty and thoughtful design. At 11.5 acres there’s still plenty to explore. And it's got a premier view of the iconic Los Angeles skyline.

    View