Twin Peaks, Mt. Diablo Style

The Twin peaks in SF are pretty nice, but for a much better workout, do the Twin Peaks just north of Mt. Diablo. I actually went further than the Twin Peaks, and you should, too. I went to Eagle Peak from Mitchell Canyon, so that's a nice Saturday morning workout.

Warning: this hike will be a real bear when the sun shines on you since very little of it is in the shade. It also has some steep section, so come dressed appropriately.

Park at the Mt. Diablo state park, (600') at the end of Mitchell Canyon Rd. ($6) and exit the south end of the parking lot. Turn left immediately on Oak Road, and then right on Mitchell Rock trail. You'll pass Mitchell Rock, (1,000') and continue past Twin Peaks until you hit Eagle Peak Trail. Turn right and go just under a mile to the peak itself, (2,369'). Return by the same route for just under 6 miles.

I went on Saturday. As you know we haven't had any rain this year so the air has generally been really hazy, not good for photography or long-distance viewing. However, on Saturday it was great, (I guess because the sprinkles we had on Friday cleared the air.) You could see everything from Mt. Diablo, (a couple miles south of us,) to the snow in the Sierra's, and the cooling towers over along I-5.

Getting there: From I-680 in Walnut Creek, take Ygnacio Valley Road. Turn right on Clayton Road, then right again onto Mitchell Canyon Road. Drive to the Mt. Diablo State Park entrance at the end, (parking $6.)