What's Your Favorite Mount Diablo Hike?

Hikers who have made Mount Diablo a second home over the years find the mountain's trails familiar and easy to navigate. For newcomers and visitors who lace up their hiking boots — a map is an essential part of the equipment.

A brand new and updated map is now available at the park's entrances, visitor centers and select local stores for $6, thanks to the Mount Diablo Interpretive Association (MDIA). It's water-resistant, color, and provides "scores of updates to trails" as well as details about the features and amenities in popular visitor areas. The map can also be purchased online at www.mdia.org for $7.50. Net proceeds benefit Mount Diablo State Park.

The new edition was three years in the making and required hundreds of hours from volunteers who walked trails, checked trail signs and ensured the map's accuracy, according to MDIA.

MDIA is a non-profit volunteer organization that assists the California Department of Parks and Recreation in maintaining and interpreting Mount Diablo State Park for its 700,000 visitors each year. 

What's your favorite Mount Diablo hike? Which ones would you recommend for beginners, visitors, and those looking for a challenge? Share your suggestions in the comments below.