Mt Diablo Silverado Council
Mt Diablo Silverado Council
Celebrating 98 years of Scouting

Highlander - An Ongoing Quest
Black Diamond

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Click on the links above to see a description of each individual hike. Patches can be obtained at the Pleasant Hill Scout Shop or by sending in the patch order form.

Hike Information

Black Diamond Mines
5175 Somersville Road
Antioch, CA 94509
(925) 757-2620
Online: http://www.ebparks.org/parks/black_diamond

Trail Length - varies, 2 to 8 miles
Average Elevation - 500 to 1100 feet
Elevation Change - varies, 1000 to 3000 feet
Hiking Level - Moderate

Overview

Starting in the 1860's and continuing into the early 20th century, the Black Diamond Mines area operated a number of coal mines. More than 1.8 million tons of coal were removed from the ground during this time period. As coal use dropped off, sand was also mined at Black Diamond.

The area is now a regional park with around 65 miles of hiking trails through beautiful countryside. Mine tours are available (see website or call the park office for details), or units may go on self guided tours of some of the mining facilities that remain. Also of particular interest is the Rose Hill Cemetery, where many of the former miners and their families are buried.

How To Get There

From Highway 4: Take the Somersville Road exit. Continue south on Somersville to the park entrance.

Camping Facilities

Stewartville Backpack Camp: The fee is $5 per night per person. Camping is limited to two nights during the spring, summer and fall. There is room for 20 campers. Picnic tables and a pit toilet are available, as well as water for horses (not for human consumption, campers need to bring their own water in). The camp is located 3.2 miles from the Preserve headquarters, near the Stewartville and Upper Oil Canyon trails. Call (510) 562-2267 to make reservations.