Tarantula Trek

Greenbelt Alliance

Join Greenbelt Alliance to go dancing with the stars. Step lightly, though, because the stars of late summer on Mount Diablo are tarantulas!

Mount Diablo State Park - Mitchell Canyon Visitor Center

“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 DISTANCEThis is an easy 2-1/2-mile round-trip hike with a 300-foot elevation gain. LEADERSLiz Watson and Ken Lavin. WEATHER POLICYPark closure due to fire danger cancels. COSTThe 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 MEETWe will assemble near the Mitchell Canyon Visitor Center. NOTESReservations 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 klavin@greenbelt.org.

<h3>About the Outing Leaders </h3>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.

Tarantula Trek

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Tarantula Trek

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