Tarantula Trek
About this Event
“I know I am not capable of suffering more than I did during those few minutes of suspense in the dark, surrounded by those creeping, bloody-minded tarantulas.” (Mark Twain, Roughing It)
Join us for a nature walk up Mitchell Canyon, and we will dispel any malicious rumors you might have heard from Mark Twain or others about Mount Diablo’s iconic arachnids.
Tarantulas are actually the "teddy bears" of Mount Diablo; they even have a dance called the tarantella named for them. You'll also have a chance to meet tarantulas named Scarlett O'Harry and Wishbone, the real-life (not just Facebook friend) of the outing leaders.
As darkness falls, we'll be on the lookout for the spiders’ biofluorescent relatives— scorpions!
TOTAL DISTANCE
This is an easy 2-1/2-mile round-trip hike with a 300-foot elevation gain.
LEADERS
Liz Watson and Ken Lavin.
WEATHER POLICY
Park closure due to fire danger cancels.
COST
The park entrance fee is $6 per vehicle ($5 for seniors); exact cash is required.
At the gate by the entrance to the Mitchell Canyon parking and staging area, take an envelope from the box on the gate. Slip $6 into the envelope, rip off the top tag to put on your dashboard, and drop the part of the envelope containing the money into the slot. (You don't have to fill out anything on the envelope.)
You may also pay digitally by scanning the QR code on the sign near the entrance gate or Visitor Center, or text CA2902 to 53242. No app is required.
WHERE TO MEET
We will assemble near the Mitchell Canyon Visitor Center.
NOTES
Reservations required. Bring liquids, snacks, and a flashlight. Dress in layers and wear good hiking shoes. Bring poles if you normally use them. Restrooms and water are available near the trailhead. If you have questions about this outing, please email Ken Lavin at [email protected].
About the Outing Leaders
Liz Watson is a special education teacher for Contra Costa County. She teaches at Liberty High School in Brentwood. Liz holds a California naturalist certification from UC Davis Extension.
Ken Lavin is the Outing Coordinator for Greenbelt Alliance and has been leading our free educational outings for over a decade. Ken worked as a national park ranger in the Golden Gate National Recreation Area and as an instructor for Diablo Nature Adventures, teaching environmental science to school groups in Mount Diablo State Park.
Where is it happening?
Event Location & Nearby Stays:
USD 0.00 to USD 108.55
