My planed 12.9 mile hike (according to AllTails) turned in to a longer hike than I expected.  I started at the Mitchell Canyon Staging Area right around 8am temperature was approximately 69 degrees and starting to get hot.

I took the Mitchell Creek to Diablo Summit Trail and reached the peak at approximately  1 pm where I indulged on a ice cold Gatorade and took in the amazing view. This alone was worth the climb up.  After hanging out for a bit an enjoying the A/C in the visitor center I started my hike back.

On my hike up I did not hit Twin Peaks or Eagle Peak so I decided to take the route to hit them on the way back.  This was a very challenging descent, the trail was narrow, steep and with a lot of loose dirt.  I actually took a tumble on way back.  Other than a bruised ego I was ok, but this just made me hyper aware and I took my time on the way down.   The heat was intense so I took lots of breaks but I started to run out of water so I made the decision to find a shady spot and wait until it cooled down a bit to finish the hike.  I ran out of water about a mile away from my car and finally made it back approximately at 8:30 pm.  I was exhausted and thirsty, but so happy to  have been able to conquer Mount Diablo on hot summer day.