INCH Hike: Five Peaks of Diablo

1275. Five Peaks of Diablo (11/26/21)

Hikers (34): Arlene, Bjorn, Brad, Caitlin X, Chris R, Christina, Dan, Ellen, George, Giulia, Hong, Ieenor, Jeff, Jim, Kathryn, Kevin, Mihail, Milon, Nagendra, Nohemi, Peter, Peter M, Qi, Rainer, Ralph, Rudi, Sandy F, Sarah, Sarbinder, Shuli, Sophie, Steve, Susan S, Xiaohan
Distance: 15 miles
Rating: 4 difficulty, 9 beauty
Park info: Mt. Diablo State Park near Clayton

Write-up by Peter -- Pictures by George, Jim, Milon, Qi, Sarbi, and Shuli

We did a clockwise loop, including some trails which were new for many people -- Hetherington & Wasserman (sounds like a law firm) near the beginning, and Death Slide up to the summit. On the way back, George, Rudi, and I did some alternate trails along Moses Rock Ridge, the secret Deer Creek Trail, and a steep trail down to Mitchell Rock. It was a fun day with great hiking weather. Something to give thanks for!

Setting out early to see the highlights of Mt. Diablo

Some nice water crossings on new trails (good to finally see some water in California!)

The climbing begins!

Heading up the East Trail to Mt. Olympia

Keep going ... almost there

Sarah's all smiles at Olympia

So are Caitlin, Xiaohan, and Hong

Next stop for Rainer: North Peak (and it's always fun coming back down)

Jim climbing the final few steps to North Peak for a nice dose of radiation

View from North Peak with the clouds down below

The Death Slide was easy for Arlene. For others, not so much.

Kevin said he would stab George if he had the energy

Peter also thinking about how to murder Uncle George

Looking up at the summit from the Slide

Sarbi is happy to arrive at Mary Bowerman Overlook after the near-death experience of the Death Slide (or someone slipped DMT in his Gatorade!)

Sarbi said the name on the port-a-potties at the campground reminded him of this incident

So near and yet so far -- still need to get back to the car!

Milestones on the way back ... Eagle Peak ...

... Twin Peaks ...

... Mitchell Rock (almost done!)

Milestones:
Highest point in Contra Costa county
Ieenor's 1^st leaf
Jeff's 330^th leaf
Kevin's 160^th leaf
Mihail's 240^th leaf
Nohemi's 20^th leaf