State: California
Location: Mount Diablo State Park
Length, Round Trip: 4 miles
Trail Type: Out and Back
Best Season: Year-Round
Difficulty: Easy
Usage: Heavy
Sierra Foothills
Trail Information
The Mitchell Canyon Nature Trail route follows Mitchell Creek and is extremely popular in the spring and early summer when wildflowers are abundant. There are ten identified stops following the Mitchell Canyon Trail Guide that can be obtained at the Mitchell Canyon Interpretive Center. The route begins within an oak savanna woodland and then enters a riparian community. The shaded north exposures are alive with wildflowers in the spring. Watch for the California quail and butterflies as well. You may alter a portion of your return by following the Globe Lily Trail which offers a modest elevation gain and provides wider vistas.
This walk follows the Mitchell Canyon-Deer Flat-Back Creek Loop for the first two miles where the trail begins climbing by switchback up to Deer Flat. At the point where the climb begins, turn and retrace your walk.
Directions
The trailhead is located at the end of Mitchell Canyon Road in Clayton.
