Black Diamond Mines Regional Preserve

5175 Somersville Rd, Antioch, CA 94509, USA

Related:	summerville movie theater
Address:	5175 Somersville Rd, Antioch, CA 94509, USA
Phone:	+1 510-544-2750
Site:	ebparks.org
Rating:	4.7
Working:	8AM–8PM 8AM–8PM 8AM–8PM 8AM–8PM 8AM–8PM 8AM–8PM 8AM–8PM

Location

Photos 100

Reviews 16

Cameron Bolourchi

The Black Diamond Mines Regional Preserve is a great open space. Situated between Clayton and Antioch it is out of the way but still close by to many cities in the East Bay. I came here a couple times for long hikes in the morning, the weather was 70 degrees and windy. It can get cold, unless its summer around noon. Its a relatively large space, smaller that Diablo State Park, but bigger than the Walnut Creek Shell Ridge Open Space. There is a stark, natural beauty to the place that I really like. The only thing you can really hear is the wind. Animal wildlife ranges from small birds to prairie dogs to eagles and of course cattle/turkeys. There are different types of trails including: paved, gravel, hard dirt, and grassy trails. The grassy trails can be hard to see because they are in protected areas so tread carefully. The trails are very extensive, you can walk from Antioch to Clayton if you feel inclined. The trails are not too difficult, but some of the can be a little dangerous if you are not watching where you are going. One thing that does not make sense to me is the lack of any sort of rocks or down trees for people to sit on, this is a big space and the trails are long, so you should rest frequently. Amenities include 2 parking lots, 1 mile apart from each other, with a trail and road in between them. There is a camp ground 2-3 miles away from the first parking lot, though I did not use it. There are a couple bathrooms and a water fountain at the second parking lot. Some of the trails are in disrepair due to cattle grazing. Some of the trails are hard to walk because of hoof prints that damaged the trail, I had trouble even when wearing boots and there are cow droppings to avoid as well. Overall I would recommend it for a nice walk or even a long hike. tldr; Pros: Beautiful location, quiet remoteness, long trails Cons: Cattle grazing damages the trail, lack of natural furniture?

Joseph Razmek

Miles and Miles of trails, great for mountain biking or hiking. This place is full of history about the old coal miner days of Antioch. They even still offer a tour of an old mine. Plenty of wildlife out here with historic site littered throughout the park. You will come across old town sites and history plaques giving you the story of this very interesting time. Best part is this place is in our backyard, just minutes from the freeway this is a quick easy place to reach with a remote feel. Once you are in the park youd think you were hundreds of miles from civilization. I recommend this site, great views from the hill tops and great stories of the past, even a ghost story of the white witch. Check it out.

Rachel Bruns

Very nice park! Beautiful views, nice trails, much to see and do. Beautiful all seasons. Ive seen much wildlife too. Its also nice to get out of the suburbs and surrounding cities. Caution: be careful around cows, especially if they have calves. Ive also seen a steer or two. Ive seen a cow chase a woman and her dog because it perceived them as a threat. They also got threatened by my baby in a stroller. Yikes! Also the occasional rattle snake. Saw one stretched on a trail, one blended into scenery next to a rock under a shady tree I wanted to sit next to. Yet Ive been here dozens of times safely!

Aaron Leong

The rain definitely upped my enjoyment quotient - no dry, dusty, patchy, hot hikes. The hills were green and rolling, just the way we like it. Part of our hike consisted of visiting Prospect Mine, which was 200ft of sad. Its nothing to shout about, aside from when someone else at some point (probably 4-5 days before) had apparently decided that hed used the tunnel as his pooping spot. There it was - a pile covered discretely by his blue boxers. Way to go, dude.

Kevin Hogan

Saw a real coal/sand mine even had mine cart railroad tracks & big enough to walk thru didnt feel confined. Porta potty restrooms available & picnic tables but youd need to drive back to town for anything else needed. $5 parking. Allow at least 1 hour to see visitor center & mine. About quarter mile or 15 minute walk up gravel road from parking lot to mine/visitor center (moderate uphill grade (inside mine flat but stroller not recommended).

bret wickham

A great place to hike... although best not to do on a hot day. This place is full of history! There is a large cave which I think is open to the public for tours and other small mine shafts scattered about in the hills. If youre up for a decent hike, there is also larger horizontal shaft that is open to the public if you go up over the ridge into the large valley beyond it.

Jonas Bo Hansen

Preserve is open every day, but not always with staff - eg. Not on July 4. To bad because they close all the mines. Go there when the mines are open otherwise the experience us somewhat disappointing. Another tip is to only go there on cooler days. There may be very hot. Note only entrance from Summerville ave. Fee 5$

Concha Sanchez

Bueno como me encanta caminar me párese un excelente lugar buena vista experiencias inolvidables más si bas con buena compañía

Shawn Clover

One of my favorite mountain biking spots as long as its not mid-afternoon in the middle of summer. Great place to just set out on a hike too. Theres plenty to explore, including the old graveyard up on the hill. And, of course, a tour of the Hazel Atlas mines is a must-see at least once.

Daniel Herzberg

Love this place. I think of it as a massive spacious dog park with open spaces, sweeping jaw dropping views, few people (generally friendly), and a enough variety to stay interesting. I go here 1-4x/week. Just went yesterday on a 4 hour walk....came home inspired. Highly reccomend!

William Hoffknecht

A great park in the Diablo area - you can take a mine tour,just hike and shoot pictures if you want, or study the history as there is a California Historical Landmark here as well. My only complaint is that is does get hot and there is little shade except down in the mine.

Sasha Rossberg

A Sunday must for us! The tours are great, parking is like 5 bucks, wonderful places to hike no cell service which is always kind of a great relif. Kids love the caves, cemetery, hills. Well if you just let the kids loose they email have a wonderful time!

Marina Martinez

Love the views at the tops of the hills/mountains in the spring time, other wise in the summer it gets yellow & dry (golden hills). Some days the park is free & no charge. A few hiking trails to see. A lot of people bring their dogs here also.

Mike G

Well worth the drive out to Antioch, if coming from other parts of the Bay Area. The varied trails, mine tour and views are amazing. For summer months, bring plenty of water, as the exposed ridges and general area get quite hot.

Tristan Graham

Really nice views and lots of open space makes this feel a lot less crowded than other parks. Some nice trails plus you have the mine visitors center and cemetery as added points of interest. Will be back to explore !!

Diego Soto

Beautiful local park, has a little bit of everything and is well maintained for a regional park. I gave it a four star since most trails are fire roads with the exception of Corcoran trail. Get and see for yourself.