Mt. Diablo Summit Loop - South

Dogs No Dogs

Features Spring · Views · Wildflowers

A great long loop through the Mt. Diablo foothills and all the way to the summit. There are some very steep sections, particularly on the descent. Little rest for the weary on this hike—almost every section is uphill or downhill and the flat sections are few and far between here.

There are ticks, rattlesnakes, bobcats, and mountain lions in this area. I personally had to brush off a few ticks after going through long grass, and saw a bobcat run across the trail about 20 ft. in front of me (also had a turkey hanging out on the trail for a bit).

This is a tough, long loop starting in the foothills and taking you to the summit of Mt. Diablo. Incredible views are available at almost every point along the way. Despite the heavy rains in early 2017, the trails are mostly in good shape.

You take Wall Point Road to the Summit Trail. The Summit Trail will briefly become Green Ranch Road, and then rejoin Summit Trail. The entire Summit Trail is a moderate uphill with some steep sections. There are very few flat sections or descents, with the exception of parts of the rolling foothills, primarily on Wall Point Road prior to the Summit Trail.

Once you reach the summit, turn back down the Summit Trail, across the upper parking lot to the South Juniper Trail. Proceed down Juniper to Deer Flat Fire Road. Then, take Burma Road to Angel Kerley Rd to Little Pine Creek Trail to Stage Road Trail. From Stage Road Trail, turn down the BBQ Terrace Road back to Wall Point Road, which you can follow back to the parking lot. There are some seriously steep downhill portions here. Many of the downhill sections have loose gravel/rocks, so careful footing is required.