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Wild Recovery San Jose, California

April 24, 2010 Black Diamond Mines Regional Park Antioch, CA

The Place

Black Diamond Mines Regional Preserve- From the 1850s to the early 1900s, five coal mining towns thrived in the Black Diamond area. Later sand was mined for glass making and steel casting. Although little remains of the mining communities, a historic cemetery serves as a monument to the lives of the former residents. Today in the springtime, the hills are covered with some of the most remarkable wildflower displays in the Bay Area.

Where to Meet:

Meet in the Parking lot at the end of the road.

Walking the Walk

We’ll explore only the west corner of this nearly 6,000 acre park on this hike. Taking the Ridge, Manhattan Canyon, Chaparral and Black Diamond Trails out and returning on Coal Canyon and Nortonville Trails. In the last mile we will pass through Rose Hill Cemetery. Depending on the time we get back to the parking area, for anyone who is interested, there may be a chance to take the guided tour ($3.00) into the sand mine.

Level: 3- Miles: 7 - Elevation change:Approx 1480 ft - Hosts: Troy & Amy H.

Directions:

Take I-680 North. In Concord stay right & take Hwy 242 to Hwy 4 East toward Antioch. Take the Somersville Rd Exit. Drive South on Somersville Rd to the park entrance. We will meet at the parking lot at the end of the road.

Know Before You Go:

Parking Fee: $5.00
Dogs Ok W/ $2.00 fee
Dress appropriately for April, Rain is always possible. Layers are suggested