I have chosen a not-so-traditional trail (6peaks loop: https://www.alltrails.com/explore/trail/us/california/6-peaks-loop?mobileMap=false&ref=sidebar-static-map) for Mount Diablo summit, that too with a twist, to start and finish the hike from the summit point.

Started the hike with downhill from summit. It was another typical downhill, steep at times, rocky at places. Eventually made it to Mitchel Canyon after visiting two of the six peaks of Diablo, without any issues. After a brief stop at Mitchel Canyon, started the ascent. After a few miles (2-3) of gradual ascent, then started the steep part, the steepest that I have tried in a while. And the worse part was, this steep ascent is not brief, it went on and on until we got to North Peak via Mount Olympia. The terrain is rocky, slippery with fallen trees here and there. Add bushwhacking and warm weather to the complexities, you have a hike that's a perfect example of tough one.
Given that miles/elevation are not too high, its the terrain that differentiated this hike. After wading thru all the complexities, we finally arrived back at the summit.

For my next hike at Diablo, I would most likely choose another trail. That said, this trail should be attempted to understand one's limits. I definitely came to know mine 🙂