OLOFSON RIDGE
City: Clayton
Park: Mount Diablo
Saturday, June 02, 2007 @ 9:00 AM
Event Notes: This is a very nice hike on Mt. Diablo that is really being lead by Helene. I am willing to co-lead. I am posting this so it will reach a wider audience. It starts at Mitchell Canyon staging area. Total of 6 miles, and 1,000' of elevation gain. Mostly sun. Flush toilets, picnic tables and water at the staging area. $3 (exact change) parking fee.
Contact:
Andrew Kincaid
Email: kincaid.andrew@yahoo.com
Home Phone: (925) 484-4205
Trail Notes: After just one mile along beautiful, Mitchell Canyon, turn right on Red Road which, incongruously, climbs White Canyon. In springtime, this is the site of rarer wildflower species such as the Mt. Diablo Globe Lily and Wind Poppies. Take sharp left onto Olofson Ridge Trail. and shortly before that starts turning toward the park boundary, follow a faint trail on the left toward the summit marked "1609" on your trail map. Find yourself a perch on one of the cherty outcrops. whitewashed by the presence of fellow raptors, and lose yourself in the world of hawks, kestrels, and turkey vultures. With the awesome chasm of Mitchell Canyon and the massive walls of Eagle Peak as a background, admire the aerial acrobatics of these magnificent fliers - with luck, you may even spot a golden eagle.
Directions to Trailhead:
From Hwy 24 East and 680 North, take the Ygnacio Valley Road exit. At end of offramp turn right at the light onto Ygnacio Valley Road. Continue east for 15-20 minutes (approximately 7 miles) uphill into Concord. At Clayton Road (stoplight) turn RIGHT. At stoplight by fire station, turn right on Mitchell Canyon Road. Follow to the end.
TrailHead Parking Fee: $3
The trailhead information on this page was last updated Thursday, January 25, 2007.