This was the first time I summitted Mount Diablo from the base with under 4,000 ft of ascent. I started at the Diablo Foothills Regional Park trailhead on Castle Rock Rd., and I completed the 15+ mile loop to the top with “only” 3,900 ft of ascent. An easy day! I hiked the loop clockwise, so had the pleasure of ascending along the Burma Road and Mother's Trail, which have some sections that are quite steep, but the way down was a more gentle grade than I'm used to on Diablo. It's still very green there now, and there are patches of wildflowers in some places.

Conditions: The trails are in good shape right now. There are, however, a number of stream crossings along the lower section of the Stage Road, but there are plenty of rocks and logs in place so this posed little difficulty.

AllTrails route: “Diablo Foothills to Summit Loop”