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Walnut Creek Magazine

A Beautiful Spring Hike

Apr 20, 2023 06:34AM ● By Mary Nagle Save Mount Diablo

Looking for a new adventure? Trek through the rolling hills of Black Diamond Preserve on Lougher Loop. This loop is great for running, dog walking, looking for spring flowers, and mountain biking. California poppies, Ithuriel's spear, and Sacramento Valley buttercup are among the wildflowers you will see on the rolling green hills of this easy-to-navigate trail.

Trailhead location: Somersville Road, across the road from Sidney Flat

Practically on the border of Pittsburg and Antioch, this scenic hike is a great one to add to your spring plans. Once you’re on this trail, it’s easy to navigate. Just stay on the Lougher Loop trail for the duration of the hike and you’ll end up back where you started. Besides a rainbow of wildflowers, the route offers unobstructed views of Black Diamond’s historic Railroad Bed trail and gorgeous oak savannas. 


Photography by Scott Hein


Directions to 5175 Somersville Road Antioch, CA 94509 | Black Diamond is located in Contra Costa County, south of Pittsburg and Antioch. Take Highway 4 to the Somersville Road exit in Antioch, then drive south (toward the hills) on Somersville Road to the Preserve entrance. Managing agency: East Bay Regional Parks District, ebparks.org. 

Distance: Three miles

Elevation change: 816 feet

Difficulty: Moderate

Hiking time: Two hours

Trail surface: Fire road

Best season: Spring

Hours: 8 AM to sunset


 



 

 


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