Mitchell Canyon Visitor Center – Meridian Ridge Road loop from Clayton Road & Bailey Road
Mitchell Canyon Visitor Center – Meridian Ridge Road loop from Clayton Road & Bailey Road
3.0
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riders
Mitchell Canyon Visitor Center – Meridian Ridge Road loop from Clayton Road & Bailey Road
02:45
29.4km
700m
Mountain biking
Moderate mountain bike ride. Good fitness required. Suitable for all skill levels. The starting point of the route is accessible with public transport.
Last updated: April 20, 2026
Tips
Your route passes through a protected area
Please check local regulations for:
Waypoints
Start point
Bus stop
Get Directions
7.58 km
Mitchell Canyon Visitor Center
Highlight • Rest Area
Tip by
13.5 km
Meridian Ridge Road
Highlight (Segment) • Trail
The Diablo Range, in Contra Costa County of the eastern San Francisco Bay Area in Northern California is just south of the town of Clayton. en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Mount_Diablo
To see all segments and highlights of a loop hike to Eagle Peak from Mitchell Creek entrance and Parking lot on the north side of Mt Diablo State Park, check out komoot.com/tour/7308564
Tip by
15.3 km
Meridian Ridge Road
Highlight (Segment) • Trail
Tip by
17.5 km
Donner Canyon Road
Highlight (Segment) • Trail
Tip by
20.0 km
Donner Canyon Road & Back Creek Trail Access
Highlight • Trail
Tip by
22.4 km
Mudville Grill
Highlight • Pub
Tip by
29.4 km
End point
Bus stop
Way Types & Surfaces
Way Types
14.6 km
5.12 km
4.60 km
2.97 km
2.02 km
< 100 m
Surfaces
12.4 km
7.36 km
3.96 km
2.89 km
2.05 km
685 m
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Elevation
Highest point (710 m)
Lowest point (70 m)
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Weather
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Today
Wednesday 1 July
27°C
13°C
0 %
Additional weather tips
Max wind speed: 20.0 km/h
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Our route recommendations are based on thousands of hikes, rides, and runs completed by other people on komoot.
Description
If you're looking for a truly challenging and rewarding mountain biking experience in the Bay Area, the Mitchell Canyon Visitor Center – Meridian Ridge Road loop from Clayton Road & Bailey Road is definitely worth your time. This moderate 18.2-mile (29.4 km) route packs in a significant 2285 feet (696 metres) of climbing over roughly 2 hours and 44 minutes, making it a serious workout for experienced riders. It's a fantastic choice if you want to push your limits and earn some incredible views.
What to expect on Mitchell Canyon Visitor Center – Meridian Ridge Road loop from Clayton Road & Bailey Road
The journey begins pleasantly enough on the Mitchell Canyon Fire Road, winding through shaded oak woodlands that are particularly vibrant with wildflowers in spring. Don't let the gentle start fool you; the climb soon steepens dramatically, with switchbacks reaching over 20% grade in places. As you gain elevation, the landscape opens up, becoming rockier and offering increasingly expansive vistas. After passing through areas like Deer Flat and Juniper Campground, you'll hit paved sections of Summit Road before transitioning back to gravel fire roads. The descent on Meridian Ridge Road is where things get really exciting, following a "knife's-edge" ridge with impressive views. Be prepared for extremely steep sections, especially on Prospectors Gap Road, which can be loose and rocky, demanding technical skill and careful handling. This is a strenuous and demanding ride, best suited for advanced mountain bikers comfortable with both significant climbing and technical descents.
Planning your visit
Parking at the Mitchell Canyon entrance requires a fee, so be sure to have cash or a card ready. The park gates are open from 8:00 AM to sunset, and mountain biking after sunset is strictly prohibited. Given the significant elevation gain and exposure, summer heat can add a considerable challenge, so consider riding in the cooler months or starting very early. Spring is particularly beautiful for wildflowers and birdwatching in the lower canyon.
Trail details
- Distance: 18.2 miles (29.4 km)
- Elevation gain: 2285 feet (696 metres)
- Difficulty: moderate
- Estimated time: 2 hours and 44 minutes
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