Devilishly Hairy

Hike the northern slopes of Mount Diablo to see tarantulas in fall

10.30.2024

Mount Diablo is a devilish name but it’s home to some hairy spiders that don’t need to send a chill down your spine. Tarantulas—generally harmless—come out and about in fall, as the males leave their burrows in search of mates. One of the best places to see them is on the northern slopes of Mount Diablo State Park, accessible via the Mitchell Canyon Staging Area.

Plan this 2.5-mile (round-trip) hike about two hours before sundown, when tarantulas may be more active. Park at the Mitchell Canyon Visitor Center ($6 fee), and hike south on Mitchell Canyon Fire Road. Turn right to ascend the Black Point Trail and follow it up to the singletrack. Turn around and retrace the route back to the Globe Lily Trail connection, where if time allows, hike the Globe Lily singletrack until it intersects the Red Road Trail. Turn left and then left again onto the Mitchell Canyon Fire Road to return to the parking lot.

While hiking, keep on the lookout for silhouettes in the grasses lining the path. Male tarantulas may scurry across the red clay in a frantic quest for the burrow of their female paramour.

From Hwy. 24/I-680 in Walnut Creek, follow signs to Ygnacio Valley Rd East. After 7.5 miles, turn right on Clayton Rd. and then right on Mitchell Canyon Rd. The staging area is at the end of the road. No dogs.

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