Secret Diablo

Great views, wildflowers, vibrant green hills, even a Secret Trail … Mount Diablo State Park does it again with this spectacular 6-mile loop hike fit for spring. The Briones–Mount Diablo Regional Trail to Wall Point Road is a hike less traveled, likely because it’s located at the base of Diablo, not high up towards the summit.

Start at the Macedo Ranch Staging Area and begin a steady climb up Pine Ridge. Turn right at this junction and hike through a pasture and into forest. Continue following Wall Point Road past Dusty Road and then emerge to breathtaking views of the surrounding valleys, currently electric green thanks to recent spring rain. A light climb for about 1.5 miles leads to Secret Trail, where you’ll descend into a glorious valley colored with California poppies, lupines, and the waters of babbling brooks. Wild turkeys and deer love this valley too.

From Secret Trail, hook up with Barbecue Terrace Road and hop across a few lazy creeks that meander along the trail. Then ascend on Dusty Road back to the loop’s starting point. Let’s just keep this hike a secret, okay? … Oh you devil, you!

This hike begins and ends at the Macedo Ranch Staging Area (map) following these trails in this order: Briones–Mount Diablo Regional Trail, Wall Point Road, Secret Trail, Barbecue Terrace Road, and Dusty Road. NOTE: Be sure to look at the trail map located at the trailhead. You can take a picture of it with your phone before embarking. $6 parking fee. Portions of this trail can be used by mountain bikes as well as horses. No dogs.