Black Diamond Mines Regional Preserve
This 5000+ acre park located in the East Bay near Antioch was the former site of extensive mining. Despite the name, the mining was not for diamonds! Instead, during the 1800's, millions of tons of coal were mined from several locations in what is now Black Diamond Mines Regional Preserve. Very few remnants of the extensive mining activities remain. Some exceptions include an old cemetery, and a small mine that you can take a tour into (check the park website for details). There are also several old mining features (such as dwellings and tunnel entrances) only a short walk from the main parking lot.
So how about trail running in the park? The park is primarily fire roads, with elevations ranging from about 200 feet to 1200 feet. The views are typical "East Bay", with rolling hills that are green in the winter and brown in the summer. There are a few good views of the Bay Area and the central valley from trails within the park. One major downside: there is almost no shade in the park. Literally. On a two-hour run, you will probably only pass under 5 trees the entire time. Also, it can be 10-20 degrees warmer here than just a few miles to the west. So, if it is 80 in Walnut Creek, expect it to be 95 degrees here! If it is this hot, wear appropriate clothing and bring twice as much water as you think you'll need!
The Dirt:
So how about trail running in the park? The park is primarily fire roads, with elevations ranging from about 200 feet to 1200 feet. The views are typical "East Bay", with rolling hills that are green in the winter and brown in the summer. There are a few good views of the Bay Area and the central valley from trails within the park. One major downside: there is almost no shade in the park. Literally. On a two-hour run, you will probably only pass under 5 trees the entire time. Also, it can be 10-20 degrees warmer here than just a few miles to the west. So, if it is 80 in Walnut Creek, expect it to be 95 degrees here! If it is this hot, wear appropriate clothing and bring twice as much water as you think you'll need!
The Dirt:
- Click here for the official park site.
- Click here for a printable trail map.
- Click here for directions to the park via Google Maps.
- Drinking water is available only at the Visitors Center and at the main parking area. No water is available within the park, so bring plenty because it gets HOT here!
Favorite Run #1: Stewartville/Homestead Loop (10.3 mi, ~1500 feet elevation gain)
This is a giant loop that takes you around much of the park, passing several old mine sites along the way. There are two major climbs along the route, and almost no shade! But you will get a few grand vistas along the way. Warning: there is very little shade and it gets REALLY HOT here in the summer! Bring lots of water!
- 0.0 mi: From the parking lot, head south along the main trailhead, and get onto the Stewartville Trail. You will soon begin climbing up to a saddle. Note: You will follow Stewartville trail for the next
- 0.9 mi: At the first high point! Continue to follow the Stewartville trail. You will soon descend into a valley. Continue following this trail past the old Stewartville townsite, and continue until the trail ends at a parking area.
- 5.2 mi: At the Frederickson Road parking area. Turn left onto Homestead Trail.
- 5.4 mi: Continue straight onto Old Homestead Loop (do not turn left). Old Homestead Loop will climb a bit, flatten out, then veer left and climb steeply up a valley. If you feel like you want to die, then you are going the right way.
- 7.2 mi: Turn right onto Acorn Trail and continue climbing for a bit.
- 7.7 mi: Turn right on Ridge Trail. The climbing is almost done!
- 8.2 mi: Turn right onto Stewartville Trail, then an immediate right onto Carbondale Trail. Continue on Carbondale Trail until it ends.
- 9.3 mi: Turn left onto River View Trail. You will soon begin to descend back to the parking lot.
- 10.3 mi: Back at the car!
