Black Diamond Shaft – Jim's Place loop from Clayton
Black Diamond Shaft – Jim's Place loop from Clayton
6
hikers
Black Diamond Shaft – Jim's Place loop from Clayton
03:49
13.1km
350m
Hiking
Moderate hike. Good fitness required. Easily-accessible paths. Suitable for all skill levels. The starting point of the route is accessible with public transport.
Last updated: May 19, 2026
Tips
Your route passes through a protected area
Please check local regulations for:
Waypoints
Start point
Bus stop
Get Directions
5.89 km
Black Diamond Shaft
Highlight • Historical Site
Tip by
6.35 km
Jim's Place
Highlight • Cave
Tip by
13.1 km
End point
Bus stop
Way Types & Surfaces
Way Types
6.28 km
3.58 km
1.86 km
1.24 km
< 100 m
Surfaces
7.19 km
4.53 km
1.24 km
< 100 m
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Elevation
Highest point (420 m)
Lowest point (120 m)
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Weather
Powered by Foreca
Thursday 9 July
32°C
11°C
0 %
Additional weather tips
Max wind speed: 17.0 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
The Black Diamond Shaft – Jim's Place loop from Clayton is one of those hikes that truly earns its stripes, offering a challenging yet rewarding journey through history and nature. This moderate hiking route covers 8.1 miles (13.1 km) with a significant 1148 feet (350 metres) of elevation gain, typically taking around 3 hours and 48 minutes to complete. It's an ideal choice if you're looking for a substantial day hike that combines strenuous effort with unique historical landmarks and expansive views.
What to expect on Black Diamond Shaft – Jim's Place loop from Clayton
As you embark on this loop, you'll find yourself traversing a diverse landscape that shifts from windswept grasslands to shady oak woodlands, chaparral, and even a rare evergreen forest. The terrain is varied, featuring unpaved trails and dirt fire roads, with sections that can be steep, sandy, rocky, or slippery, especially after rain. The initial climb from Clayton demands good fitness, but your efforts are rewarded with panoramic vistas of Mount Diablo, the Sacramento-San Joaquin River Delta, and on clear days, even the distant Sierra Nevada. Along the way, you'll encounter fascinating historical landmarks like the Black Diamond Shaft, an old mining air shaft with visible pick marks, and Jim's Place, a mysterious underground dwelling carved into a hillside. The historic Rose Hill Cemetery also offers a poignant glimpse into the area's 19th-century mining past.
Planning your visit
Starting from Clayton, this route follows a path historically used by miners, adding another layer to your experience. Be prepared for significant elevation changes and varied terrain; sturdy hiking boots are a must. Spring is particularly beautiful, with green hillsides and abundant wildflowers, making it a popular time to visit. Parking is available in Clayton, but arriving early is advisable, especially on weekends, to secure a spot before setting out on this memorable Black Diamond Shaft Jim's Place loop Clayton hiking adventure.
Trail details
- Distance: 8.1 miles (13.1 km)
- Elevation gain: 1148 feet (350 metres)
- Difficulty: moderate
- Estimated time: 3 hours and 48 minutes
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