7 |
ROSE HILL |
DISTANCE: 2.5 miles round-trip
HIKING TIME: 1 hour
SEASON: year-round
DIFFICULTY: easy
From 1860 to 1906, the Mount Diablo Coal Field was the largest coal mining district in California. This region’s mining history, plus rolling hills and chaparral-clad slopes, are preserved at Black Diamond Mines. Begin by hiking Nortonville Trail, which leads uphill to the Rose Hill Cemetery, a relic from the once-thriving mining town of Somersville. Most of the Protestant graves are from the late 1800s, their epitaphs still visible.
Exit on the cemetery’s far side and rejoin the dirt road, continuing your ascent. In spring, native grasses are peppered with owl’s clover and brodiaea. Turn left onto Black Diamond Trail and note views to the north of Suisun Bay and the mine tailings along the hillsides. Where the trail descends, take the second cutoff trail on the left signed “to Manhattan Canyon Trail.” This narrow path makes steep switchbacks downhill until it meets Chaparral Loop Trail; turn right here. A few coulter pines make an appearance here; they are at the northernmost edge of their range.
At Ridge Trail, take a short out-and-back walk for big views of Mt. Diablo, Carquinez Strait, and Suisun Bay. Continue right on Nortonville Trail back to where you started.
From Hwy. 4 in Antioch, take the Somersville Rd. exit south. Drive 3.8 miles, passing the entrance kiosk to Black Diamond Mines Regional Preserve, to the trailhead at the end of the road.
