At 165 million-years-old, Mount Diablo is a monstrous conniption fit of geological formation jutting out the gentle rolling line of hills that runs from San Jose up to Martinez. It is not particularly high as most mountains at 3,849 feet, but its rich history and breathtaking views make up for it. On the right day on top of the peak you can see the Golden Gate Bridge to the east and to the south you will see Mount Hamilton, home of the James Lick Observatory. To the east, you will catch a glimpse of the Sierras and even further beyond that you may see Mount Lassen, over 200 miles away.

The Trail Through Time begins at Rock City. Rock City is located close to the South Gate Road (Blackhawk) entrance, and just a few miles down the mountain from the junction with North Gate Road. At the parking lot, a large sign will point you in the right direction. Follow the path to “Big Rock, Sentinel Rock, Wind Caves”.

This short quarter mile rock scramble takes you to the start of the Trail Through Time, and also leads you to Sentinel Rock. A carved staircase with cables will guide you to the top where you will have sweeping views of the green canopy of trees below.

Another notable feature in this area are the wind caves—large enough to not only climb but go into and explore. Although they are commonly referred to as “wind caves”, the element most responsible for their creation is water.

As you walk north toward the mountain, you will first walk over 12 million-year-old rocks formed in a shallow sea. You will also pass over 50 million-year-old sandstone at Rock City with unusual erosion marks. Next, you will cross a rock bed exposing multiple marine snail fossils.

Continue your journey passing over the boundary between the “Age of Mammals” into the “Age of Reptiles”. In this short stretch you will cross a major fault where core rocks of the mountain have been pushed up and over younger rocks. As you climb toward the summit, you’ll pass the former site of a hotel built in the late 1800’s.

Your geology lesson doesn’t stop there. You’ll soon pass the oldest rocks of the mountain’s core, contorted red best of chert made from the skeletons of marine animals. A short distance ahead you’ll see an outcrop of greenstone, an altered submarine volcanic rock.

The conclusion of your hike will be at an overlook of displaced ingenuous rocks that were originally formed as ocean crust. Retrace your steps to the beginning of the trail.

Trail Through Time Tips

Tip #1: Springtime is one of the best times to visit Rock City. Several native plants will be in bloom including the California poppies and Manzanita shrubs.

Tip #2: As you wander along the Trail Through Time, watch for wind caves and large sandstone formations.

Tip #3: Beginner rock climbers will enjoy climbing Sentinel Rock. Or if you’d prefer to spectate, you can do that here as well.

Tip #4: Interpretive signs along the Trail Through Time explain how 190 million years of geologic forces created the shape of the park’s landscape.

Tip #5: Watch out for both rattlesnakes and scorpions if you will be climbing the boulders in Rock City.

Tip #6: There is a $10 park entry fee to access Mount Diablo State Park.

Tip #7: Leave your pets at home, Mount Diablo does not allow dogs.

Difficulty: Moderate

Elevation Gain: 2,940 feet

Total Distance: 6.25 miles

Trailhead address: 2675 Mt Diablo Scenic Blvd, Blackhawk, CA 94506

 Driving directions from Walnut Creek: Take Interstate 680 South, exiting at Diablo Road. Turn left on Diablo Road at the light. Follow the green “parks” signs: drive east on Diablo Road (turn right to continue on Diablo Road at El Cerro), then turn left at the (stop sign) junction with Blackhawk onto Mount Diablo Scenic Boulevard. Drive north on Mount Diablo Scenic Boulevard, which turns into South Gate Road at the park boundary. Drive carefully uphill on this narrow road (watch out for bicyclists) to the entrance kiosk. Then continue about 1.5 miles to the Rock City Parking lot.

Trail Through Time Map PDF

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The Iron Horse Regional Trail currently spans approximately 32 miles, from Concord to the north, and Dublin to the south. It connects to a number of schools, public transportation such as BART, buses and park and ride lots. I usually pick up the trailhead near the Danville park and ride lot, located right near the Interstate 680 North entrance. The trail is well maintained, sweeping through neighborhoods and downtown Danville and Alamo. It is ideal for long weekend bike rides or if you simply want to get some fresh air.

The Iron Horse Regional Trail’s name is derived from the powerful locomotives that chugged through Danville from 1891 to 1977, along the Southern Pacific Railroad. You might not realize it now, but in the 19th and 20th centuries the rich agricultural lands of the San Ramon Valley produced cattle, sheep, wheat, barley, onions, fruits and nuts. The railroad brought plenty of economic prosperity to farmers and ranchers, who were able to ship their crops to ports on San Francisco Bay, according to danville.com.

In Danville, the Iron Horse Regional Trail takes outdoor enthusiasts through grassy fields, beneath bridges, past suburban homes and schools, and through downtown. To the east you can catch a glimpse of the Diablo Mountains; to the west are the Las Trampas Hills — two hiking destinations worth checking out if you are visiting or a resident of Northern California. Along the entire span of the trail there are stretches of green trees (sometimes not so green thanks to the drought), parks, and plenty of other sights that will capture your eye. The trail also connects to other trails, such as the Ignacio Canal Trail and the Las Tramps to Mt. Diablo Regional Trail.

The Iron Horse Trail is a truly beautiful stretch of land with a rich history. With its pristine path, gorgeous sights, and well kept surroundings, it is easy to see why strolling through Danville has the true small town feel and easily makes anyone feel welcome and safe.

The developed Iron Horse Regional Trail begins in Concord near Highway 4, runs south through Walnut Creek and crosses eastward under I-680 at Rudgear Road near a Park & Ride. From there the trail runs through a rural/residential area to connect with downtown Alamo and the Alamo Square shopping center. Further south, the trail passes through residential areas and into downtown Danville. It runs across Danville Boulevard, passes back under I-680, and continues south past Pine Valley Road to the county line in San Ramon eventually reaching the Danville/Pleasanton BART station. It runs even further to the Shadow Cliffs Regional Recreation Area.

Iron Horse Regional Trail Tips

Tip 1: Reward yourself by stopping at one of the cute restaurants or cafes in Downtown Danville for some grub during your hike. Danville Square, Iron Horse Plaza and The Crossroads are the man shopping centers near the trail. My favorite place to stop and eat is Chow restaurant.

Tip 2: This is a multi-use trail. You will see people riding bikes and others walking their dogs. Remember to use the rules of the road and exercise common courtesy.

Tip 3: This trail does not have very much tree coverage, so make sure to slap on some sunscreen.

Tip 4: Avoid weekend mornings and pre/post school times if you’re looking for some solitude.

Tip 5: Lighting is minimal at night so make sure to bring a flashlight with you.

Strolling through suburbia

Difficulty: Easy

Total Distance: 32 miles

Trailhead Address: Sycamore Valley Rd W, Danville, CA 94506 (Danville Iron Horse Trail pick up point).

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Local businessman William Kent and his wife Elizabeth Thacher Kent bought the land to protect one of the last stands of uncut redwoods in 1905, and thank goodness for them! You can read more about the history of Muir Woods here.

When you first get to Muir Woods, you will encounter the Muir Wood’s Visitor Center where you will need to pay a $7 fee to enter if you are 16 years or older. The park offers two-self-guided programs that can be purchased for $1 each at the Visitor Center, however we chose to explore on our own.

The three loop trails (a 1/2 hour loop, 1 hour loop, and 1 1/2 hour loop) in Muir Woods are asphalted or boardwalked, while trails on the canyon walls are dirt, narrow, steep, and scattered with tree roots.

I took the Ocean View Trail, but don’t be fooled by this name as there is not a clear view of the Pacific Ocean anywhere along this trail. This trail is east of Bridge 2 (about 1/2 mile into the park) and is a total distance of 3 miles. The trail ascends upward and is relatively steep, but is less crowded due to its moderate difficulty. Once at the top, take the Lost Trail and Fern Creek Trail back to the Main Trail to get an alternate perspective.

View from the top of Ocean View Trail

The Hillside Trail Loop is Muir Woods’ earliest nature trail, and offers views of the canyon wall. It is a 2 mile loop and is accessible from the Hillside Trail from Bridges 2 and 4.

If you’re an experienced hiker and are feeling extra adventurous, there is a 9 mile hike with over 2,000 feet of elevation gain accessible via the Ben Johnson Trail. Head north for a mile of steep climbing to the Dipsea Trail. Turn left on the Dipsea trail and stay on it for 1.9 miles with a stark decline to the Steep Ravine Trail. Turn right on Steep Ravine and hike along a creek for 1.7 miles back to Pantroll. There will be a ladder in the middle that you will scale.

Muir Woods is conveniently open 365 days a year. It is extremely popular, frequented by tourists all over the world and parking is very limited, with two lots that fill quickly. We spent about thirty minutes looking for a spot to park when we arrived at 11 a.m.

Tip 1: Arrive early (between 8 a.m. and 9:30 a.m.) or late (one to two hours prior to closing) and if possible, visit on a weekday to avoid the big crowds and limited parking.

Tip 2: There’s no cell phone service in Muir Woods, so make any necessary phone calls or send any crucial texts before you enter the park.

Tip 3: Bring a jacket, daytime temperatures average 40° to 70°F.

Tip 4: The café in the gift shop is a hidden gem offering warm vegan tomato soup and grilled cheese not to be missed! Check out the menu here.

Difficulty: Varies based on trail

Total Distance: Varies based on trail

Trailhead Address: 1 Muir Woods Rd, Mill Valley, CA 94941

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