Tuesday, December 13, 2016

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This flat walk takes you on Empire Mine Rd out to the gorgeous expansive meadows around Lone Tree and Horse Valleys east of Black Diamond Mines Regional Preserve in Antioch. Empire Mine Rd is closed to vehicle traffic, it is open for pedestrian and bicycle use only. It stretches 3.5 gorgeous miles through the valleys towards Brentwood.

Begin this hike from the north end of Empire Mine Rd off Mesa Ridge Dr. Empire Mine Rd gently climbs up behind the Lone Tree residential neighborhood at the south end of town with views of the rolling hills and valley.

The road continues winding up around the hills.

Empire Mine Rd drops down through the flat pastoral valley.

The road gently climbs out from the valley towards the abandoned slaughterhouse in West Hartley.

Gorgeous views of Horse Valley.

Old slaughterhouse tour.

Colorful graffiti abound!

Empire Mine Rd continues on flat terrain across the beautiful expansive Horse Valley before coming to its south end at Deer Valley Rd.

At the end of the road.

Reverse your way back along the valley towards the slaughterhouse.

Return through Lone Tree Valley.

Wind back around the valley to Mesa Ridge Dr.

This easy scenic flat walk takes you out through the beautiful expansive valleys around East Contra Costa County, you’ll enjoy the quiet calm and traffic-free paved road. This is a great post rain walk without getting much mud on your shoes.

Stats:
7.12 Miles with 326′ of elevation gain
Max elevation: 395′
Time: 3 hours
Hike: Easy
Parking: Free street parking on Mesa Ridge Rd in Antioch.
No facilities & no water. Bring water & food/snacks
Dog friendly > Road is closed to Motor Vehicles/No thru traffic. Pedestrian and Bicycle use only.

Weather: Cloudy and cool with temps ranging from the low-mid 50’s and NE winds

View the interactive RGPS route map & profile