Well Rounded

Hike the Grand Loop at Mount Diablo in the East Bay

05.02.2019

{APRIL 6, 2023 UPDATE: Due to recent storms, before going to the park, please check ahead for weather forecasts, along with trail status and conditions; trails can be muddy and have debris or unexpected hazards; exercise good judgement and caution.}

Epic views, fields of flowers, and ridgeline thrills offering one of the biggest views in the West: Hiking the Grand Loop at Mount Diablo State Park in spring is eye-candy, with reams of poppies and more than 200 miles of California landscape rolling to the snowcapped Sierra.

Head out on a challenging 8.5-mile (round-trip) hike around the East Bay’s tallest peak. The hike is a true thigh-burner with substantial uphill stretches, so be sure to bring lots of energy, and water!

Start at the Juniper Campground parking area on the wildflower-laced Deer Flat Road. Enjoy panoramas from San Francisco to the Farallons, 30 miles offshore.

Descend the trail and make a right on Meridian Ridge to begin the first steep ascent, to the signed spur trail of Eagle Peak. This less-traveled trail is a great adventure on a cool spring day—scuttling and scrambling to the summit, where views burst in all directions—from the Delta and Suisun Bay to Diablo’s North Peak. Return the way you came and continue your loop on Prospector’s Gap Trail. The good news: Parts of Prospector are delightfully shaded. The not so good news: Prospector can kick your butt! It’s a tough haul to the top, but it leads to a grand finale.

The North Peak Trail is one of the most spectacular stretches in the Bay Area, cutting along the mountainside with poppies currently on parade and views sweeping from the far-off Sierra to San Francisco Bay. Hulking boulders en route make good perches for taking it all in. Finish by heading up Summit Trail and across Summit Parking Area to follow Juniper Trail back to your car. Loop du jour!

Note: Several parts of this trail are exposed and get firecracker hot in summer, so we recommend hiking it in spring and getting an early start. The trail gets steep in parts, so wear good shoes. Park at Juniper Campground off Summit Rd. There are two paved roads; walk down the one on the right to Deer Flat Rd. Continue on Deer Flat Rd. for 1.5 miles until Deer Flat. Go right on Meridian Ridge Rd. Continue for a mile to the Eagle Peak sign. After the side-trip, continue on to Prospector’s Gap Trail. Go right, up the North Peak Trail, then hike up Summit Trail, cross the Summit Parking Area, and take Juniper Trail back to your car. No dogs.

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