A bird sitting on a nest of eggs.

Hiking Near Shell Ridge, California

Shorter Routes icon

Shorter Routes

These hikes keep it under 5 miles and climb less than 1,500 feet, making them ideal for quicker outings or lower-key days. Perfect for a morning stretch, a casual afternoon, or getting outside without committing to a big push. Don’t let the stats fool you — many still pack in great views and rewarding moments.

Stage Road Loop

Hike Route

Stage Road Loop

Birding
moderate
4.04 mi
+703 ft
Springhill to Lafayette Ridge to Briones Crest to Sunrise to Buckeye

Hike Route

Springhill to Lafayette Ridge to Briones Crest to Sunrise to Buckeye

Views
strenuous
3.83 mi
+1,087 ft
Eagle Peak Out and Back

Hike Route

Eagle Peak Out and Back

Views
strenuous
4.17 mi
+1,465 ft
Rim Trail

Hike Route

Rim Trail

Birding
moderate
4.96 mi
+1,076 ft
Briones-Alhambra Valley Loop

Hike Route

Briones-Alhambra Valley Loop

Birding
moderate
4.41 mi
+871 ft
Stream Trail Out-and-Back

Hike Route

Stream Trail Out-and-Back

Birding
moderate
1.72 mi
+75 ft
Logo

Adventurous Routes

These routes go beyond 10 miles and are built for days when you want to cover more ground and push a little deeper. Expect longer distances, more effort, and bigger payoffs — whether that’s remote terrain, summit views, or a full-day challenge. Ideal for hikers looking to go farther and stay out longer.

Mt. Diablo Summit Loop - South

Hike Route

Mt. Diablo Summit Loop - South

Spring
strenuous
15.6 mi
+4,066 ft
Mount Diablo Summit Loop - North

Hike Route

Mount Diablo Summit Loop - North

Views
strenuous
12.95 mi
+3,403 ft
Mount Diablo Hike via Mitchell Canyon Visitor Center

Hike Route

Mount Diablo Hike via Mitchell Canyon Visitor Center

Less Crowded
extreme
12.92 mi
+3,793 ft
Mount Diablo Four Peaks Loop

Hike Route

Mount Diablo Four Peaks Loop

Views
strenuous
14.77 mi
+4,740 ft
Briones Reservoir Loop Trail

Hike Route

Briones Reservoir Loop Trail

Lake
moderate
13.17 mi
+1,801 ft
Joaquin Miller Park Loop

Hike Route

Joaquin Miller Park Loop

Wildflowers
extreme
11.84 mi
+2,784 ft

Other Nearby Routes

Not finding what you're looking for? These additional nearby hikes offer more ways to get outside and explore the area. With a mix of lengths, difficulty levels, and terrain, you're likely to find something that fits your plans for the day. And remember, you can always use the onX Route Builder to create your own adventure from scratch.

Castle Rock Trail via Stage Road Trail

Hike Route

Castle Rock Trail via Stage Road Trail

Views
moderate
6.91 mi
+1,046 ft
Ohlone-Crystyl Ranch Loop

Hike Route

Ohlone-Crystyl Ranch Loop

Birding
moderate
5.35 mi
+909 ft
Las Trampas North Loop

Hike Route

Las Trampas North Loop

Views
strenuous
9.18 mi
+2,552 ft
Eagle Peak Loop

Hike Route

Eagle Peak Loop

Views
strenuous
6.57 mi
+2,169 ft
10k Loop at Briones

Hike Route

10k Loop at Briones

Birding
moderate
6.65 mi
+1,068 ft
Juniper to Summit Loop

Hike Route

Juniper to Summit Loop

Birding
moderate
6.55 mi
+1,904 ft