Join Seth Adams from Save Mount Diablo on this 5-6 mile hike that has about 500 feet elevation gain and gradually rises along the ridge between Deer and Briones Valleys opening to incredible panoramic views. RSVP Required to smdinfo@savemountdiablo.org or (925) 947-3535. Meet at the Round Valley Staging Area, 19450 Marsh Creek Rd, Brentwood. No dogs allowed, bring lunch, liquids and sun protection.
In the late 1990s Save Mount Diablo protected a 4-mile long section of ridgeline on Roddy Ranch as a condition of the golf course there. Although it includes a trail easement, it can only be used when a neighboring segment to the east has been secured. Now it has. The long ridgeline between Briones and Deer Valleys, south of Antioch and stretching east from Black Diamond Mines across the Roddy Ranch Open Space toward the new Marsh Creek State Park, is almost completely unknown to the public. North slope wooded, south slope steep grassland, it is both sublimely beautiful and includes rarely seen views of the Diablo area. Contra Costa Water District’s 658-acre Evergreen property is therefore a land mark for conservation in the East Bay. It closes the final gap in the corridor of permanently protected open space stretching from Black Diamond Mines to the Los Vaqueros watershed. It will also allow for the 60-70 mile “Diablo Grand Loop” regional hiking trail that will circle the Mount Diablo area. Finally, it is located in two of the parallel valleys stretching east from Black Diamond, Briones Valley and Deer Valley, and crosses the steep ridge between them. This rugged property was acquired by the Contra Costa Water District as mitigation for the expansion of Los Vaqueros Reservoir. The steep ridge between Deer and Briones Valleys is crowned with a fire road with terrific 360-degree views while the valley bottoms include sinuous creeks, alkaline soils and fascinating rare plants associated with them.
Directions From Walnut Creek: From I-680, exit at Ygnacio Valley Road. Proceed on Ygnacio Valley Road to Clayton Road in Concord and turn right (east). Clayton Road becomes Marsh Creek Road in Clayton. Proceed east on Marsh Creek Road, past Deer Valley Road, until you reach the preserve staging area on your right. From Brentwood: Take Walnut Blvd. south to Marsh Creek Road and turn right. When Marsh Creek Road intersects with Camino Diablo Road, bear right and stay on Marsh Creek Road. You will reach the preserve staging area on the left.
