Mt. Diablo, From a New Angle

I love how this mountain reveals itself differently from every angle. Each new route feels like meeting a new version of it. Mitchell Canyon is stunning, and hiking along the spine of Mount Diablo offers expansive, breathtaking views. I did have a hard time finding the trail near the top as it wraps around the peak to the other side, and that section wasn’t as well maintained.

I forgot my hiking poles and made a quick stop at Sports Basement—a convenient stop right along the way—to rent some for the day. It saved my knees and helped keep them happy for the Swiss Alps three weeks later!