Mount Diablo
You went WHERE on a hot day like this???
Decided last night that today was my best shot at Diablo for a couple of months. Sooooo… I went for it. Really struggled with it
August 7, 2022
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Join the Challenge
The 5th Annual NorCal Six-Pack of Peaks Challenge™ is a self-paced hiking and trail running challenge up six iconic Bay Area mountains.
You choose whether you want to complete them in six days, six weeks, or take the entire year. Set the schedule that works best for you.
You can climb them in order as you build your strength and endurance, or mix it up. The choice is yours. Your registration will help support Big City Mountaineers, so you'll be doing good for others with each peak you climb
Overview Map of the NorCal Six-Pack of Peaks Challenge
The Peaks of the NorCal Six-Pack of Peaks Challenge
MOUNT UMUNHUM – Elevation 3,486′ (1,063 m)
The peak was long off limits, but after a major cleanup operation removed almost all of an abandoned air force station, it was opened to the public in 2017. The hike uses a purpose-built singletrack trail that switchbacks up to the summit.
Suggested Six-Pack Route Details: Hiking Mount Umunhum
Distance: 7.4 miles; Vertical +/- 1,150 ft.
MOUNT SAINT HELENA – Elevation 4,341′ (1,323 m)
This 4,341′ peak in the Mayacamas mountains is the tallest in the NorCal Six-Pack, and one of the few mountains in the Bay Area to actually receive snowfall in the winter.
Suggested Six-Pack Route Details: Hiking Mount Saint Helena
Distance: 10 miles; Vertical +/- 2,100 ft.
MOUNT DIABLO – Elevation 3,849′ (1,173 m)
This summit provides some of the best views in the Bay Area. On a clear day, you can see the Golden Gate Bridge and even the Farallon Islands beyond. To the east, the Sierra Nevada Range. There is a line-of-sight with the summit of Half Dome in Yosemite.
Suggested Six-Pack route: Hiking Mount Diablo via Mitchell Canyon Visitor Center
Distance: 13.2 miles; Vertical +/- 3,274 ft.
MOUNT TAMALPAIS – Elevation 2,572′ (784 m)
This loop trail from Stinson Beach to the summit of Mt Tamalpais is a good choice for a summer hike since it can start in a cool morning fog along the coast. After hiking 8 miles and over 3000 vertical feet, you'll find yourself on the summit of a mountain with a fire lookout tower.
Six-Pack Route Details: Hiking Mount Tamalpais
Distance: 16 miles; Vertical +/- 3,200 feet
MOUNT SIZER – Elevation 3,215′ (980 m)
This hike steeply climbs and descends several ridges. Mount Sizer is the high point in the park along Blue Ridge. This loop is a clockwise loop from park headquarters that ascends “The Shortcut”– often cited as the steepest trail in the Bay Area. Includes an optional side trip to Jackass Peak.
Six-Pack Route Details: Mount Sizer and Jackass Peak
Distance: 16 miles; Vertical +/- 4,400 ft.
ROSE PEAK – Elevation 3,817′ (1,163 m)
This hike through the Ohlone Wilderness travels rugged terrain and rolling green hills, with an optional detour to seasonal Murietta Falls.
Six-Pack Route Details: Hiking Rose Peak
Distance: 20.2 miles; Vertical +/- 4,500 ft.
Latest NorCal Challenge Hike Logs
Mount Tamalpais
Beautiful Bay Views on Mt Tam
It was a warm July day on the Marin County coastline. We started at Stinson at 8:30am-there was some morning fog cover, but by the
August 6, 2022
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Mount Diablo
Mt. Diablo
It was a good day for the hike. Not too hot, nice breezes throughout the day. The trail was very dry and dusty and therefore,
August 6, 2022
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Mount Saint Helena
Early on Mount Saint Helena
Reading up on reviews of this trail had me well prepared for what to expect: nice, forested first mile followed by an exposed fire trail
August 4, 2022
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Mount Tamalpais
Bam Bam Mountain Tam
Getting there, drove through a good amount of soggy, foggy conditions. The cool was welcome as I had endured 90s temps in the Central Valley
August 4, 2022
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