Hike in Mount Diablo's Madrone Canyon

This hike starts at the Rock City area of Mount Diablo State Park. Begin at the Madrone Canyon Trail, hiking southeast towards the Devils Slide trail. Along this section of the hike, the trail dips into a wooded canyon and follows the path of a small creek. To best experience the beauty of the creek, this hike is best done during the spring and winter when the rains replenish the groundwater. After about 0.4 miles, the trail will arrive at the base of the giant "Boy Scout" rock. Rising high above the trees, climbers will often be seen trying to conquer the rock. Though not included in this hike, one can climb around the rock to find a rocky path to the top, which affords spectacular views. Continue along the Madrone Canyon trail until the first trail intersection with the Devil's Slide trail. This trail will take hikers towards the Knobcone Point fire road up a canyon containing another creek. After about 0.2 miles, hikers will encounter a spot where the creek has to be crossed. A foul oder will surround this area, resulting from a sulfur seep that occurs near the creek. The trail continues to rise, traveling through an oak and buckeye forest to reach the grassy ridgeline. At this point, the trail intersects with the Knobcone Point fire road. Take this towards Curry Point. Along this section of trail, hikers can see beautiful views of the surrounding valleys and of Mount Diablo itself. The trail will gradually rise until reaching the Curry Point parking area, right next to the main road. Continue northwest along the road for a short distance until reaching a crosswalk. Use this to reach the Summit Trail on the other side. Take the Summit Trail southwest towards the Rock City area. When this reaches the road again, follow the road south until you reach the starting point of the Madrone Canyon trailhead.