Near Mount Diablo Falls Loop
Out walking
Near Mount Diablo Falls Loop
Diablo Tarantulas!
Near Mount Diablo Falls Loop
A distant view of the waterfalls on Mount Diablo's Falls Trail
Near Mount Diablo Falls Loop
A dramatic waterfall after winter rains on Mount Diablo's Falls Trail

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Driving Directions
Hike Route

Mount Diablo Falls Loop

4.6 (18 Ratings)
This rugged and scenic hike explores the waterfalls around the headwaters of Donner Creek.
5.3
mi
Distance
1,267
ft
Gain
strenuous
Difficulty
River/CreekViewsWaterfallWildflowers

Route Details

Flatter
Steeper
5.31mi
Distance
1,267ft
Elevation Gain
1,267ft
Elevation Loss
65%
Max Grade
1,680ft
High Point
529ft
Low Point
Path Type
Loop
Description
From Regency Drive, work your way past the end of the road and downhill to Donner Canyon Road and turn left onto the trail. This wide multi-use trail follows Donner Creek uphill, climbing gradually through grasslands dotted with oaks and buckeyes. Several trails branch off to the left and right from Donner Canyon Road, but you'll be following until it ends.At about a mile, the trail becomes steeper and the landscape changes to steep hills cloaked by chaparral. Climb for another half mile to the end of Donner Canyon Road at Meridian Ridge Fire Road.Turn right on Meridian Ridge Fire Road. Shortly after that, turn left on the singletrack Middle Trail. The Middle Trail continues the climb through the chaparral for another half mile, where it splits at a junction with the Falls Trail. Turn left onto the Falls Trail. The Falls Trail is narrow and winding, climbing up and down on its visit to three waterfalls before leveling off and descending to Cardinet Oaks Road. Turn left on Cardinet Oaks Road. At the junction with Donner Canyon Road, turn right and head downhill back to the starting point of the hike.

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Contributors
Miguel Vieira