Hike Concord Naval Weapons Station As Part of Discover Diablo Series

CONCORD, CA — A program that allows the public to explore some of the East Bay’s premiere hiking and natural areas — including places rarely open to the public — is coming to Concord in 2024, the Save Mount Diablo nonprofit organization announced Tuesday.

The Discover Diablo series of outings offers guided hikes, themed walks and various other outdoor activities such as mountain biking, rock climbing, trail running, meditation in nature, plein air painting and property tours. New this year are two property dedications and a yoga outing at the Curry Canyon Ranch property.

There are 36 Discover Diablo excursions this year on some of the Bay Area's most beautiful wildlands and open spaces in or near the East Bay cities of Walnut Creek, Clayton, Concord, Dublin, Livermore, Pittsburg, Antioch, Brentwood, Oakley, Danville and San Ramon; Hollister in San Benito County; and Patterson in Stanislaus County.

Among the multiple outings in Concord is a unique opportunity to explore the landscape and enjoy the views from the former Concord Naval Weapons Station site. The outing is March 2 and involves a moderate, 4- to 5-mile hike on property owned by the East Bay Regional Park District. [See below for a full list of Concord-area events this year.]

Trailblazers of all ages and skill levels are welcome to choose appropriate outings from the extensive offerings. The ever-popular tarantula walk is offered twice and there are three plein-air painting walks.

See the schedule of upcoming hikes and outings here and download/print a flyer of the schedule here.

The program sponsored by Martinez Refining Company begins Sunday, Jan. 7.

"Through the Discover Diablo series, people are fortunate to be able to explore and discover the beauty of Mount Diablo with experienced guides," said Ann Notarangelo, community relations manager for the Martinez Refining Company. "Our refinery has sponsored these hikes since 2017 in the hopes people will enjoy learning more about the mountain while spending quality time with family and friends."

The Discover Diablo program began in 2017 to connect local communities to the spectacular natural world of the Mount Diablo area and to build awareness about land conservation.

Hikes and outings take place at Save Mount Diablo’s conserved properties or on parklands in the Diablo Range. These include Mount Diablo State Park, East Bay Regional Park District, Walnut Creek Open Space Foundation, Contra Costa Water District, Stanislaus County Parks and National Park Service lands.

Discover Diablo hikes are guided by experts steeped in the natural history and lore of the region, who both educate and entertain while emphasizing the breathtaking beauty that the Diablo Range has to offer.

"It is the goal of the Discover Diablo program to build connections between people, Save Mount Diablo, and the land, helping our communities develop a strong sense of place and a deepened appreciation for our collective backyard," said Ted Clement, executive director of Save Mount Diablo. "Most importantly, we want to cultivate a love of the land in participants, as that is what it will take to ensure the precious Mount Diablo-associated natural areas are taken care of for generations to come."

There is something right for anyone to discover in the nooks and crannies surrounding Mount Diablo and within its sustaining Diablo Range, the organization said, urging locals to hit the trails in 2024 and find their inspiration.

Space is limited and RSVPs are required to ensure everyone has an equal opportunity to attend. Registration begins one month before each event's date on Eventbrite. Currently, registration is open for the first two events.

The Discover Diablo free public hikes and outings program supports Save Mount Diablo's mission, which seeks to build awareness of local land conservation efforts and convey the importance of protecting open space for habitat and recreation — with the intent to reach audiences across all of the Bay Area.

Here are the Discover Diablo events taking place in or near Concord in 2024:

March 2, Concord Naval Weapons Station Hike

March 10, Green Hills, Ponds, and Newts

April 12, Sauntering and Soloing

April 13, All That Begin with B and Beyond

April 20, Wildflower Hike—Mitchell Canyon

May 4, Mitchell Canyon Medicinal Herb Walk

May 6, Reptile Ramble

May 17, Hit the Trails—Mountain Biking

May 23, Smith Canyon Property Dedication

June 7, Plein Air Painting Hike

June 28, Trail Stomp—Run with Save Mount Diablo

July 14, Balance in Nature—Yoga at Curry Canyon Ranch

Aug. 3, Mangini Ranch Meditation Hike

Aug. 16, Hit the Trails—Mountain Biking

Aug. 24, Plein Art Painting Hike

Sept. 1, Tarantula Trek for Families

Sept. 15, Tarantula Trek for Adults

Oct. 5, Borges Ranch Fall Hike

Oct. 19, On Belay—Rock Climbing

Oct. 20, The Morning Side of Mount Diablo from Morgan Territory

Oct. 27, Black Diamond Mines Halloween Hike

Nov. 10, Pine Creek and Surroundings

Nov. 15, Plein Art Painting Hike

Dec. 1, Winter’s Transformations in the Oak Savanna

Dec. 8, Blue Oak Woodland—Vales and Vistas