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Black Diamond Mines Regional Preserve: Echoes of California's Industrial Past

Discover California's mining history at Black Diamond Mines Regional Preserve, offering hiking, historical insights, and natural beauty in Antioch.

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Explore the historic Black Diamond Mines Regional Preserve in Antioch, California, where relics of coal and sand mining offer a glimpse into California's industrial past. Hike among rolling hills and discover the stories of miners who once toiled in this now-peaceful landscape.

A brief summary to Black Diamond Mines Regional Preserve

  • Monday 8 am-8 pm
  • Tuesday 8 am-8 pm
  • Wednesday 8 am-8 pm
  • Thursday 8 am-8 pm
  • Friday 8 am-8 pm
  • Saturday 8 am-8 pm
  • Sunday 8 am-8 pm

Local tips

  • Check the East Bay Regional Park District website for updated information on trail conditions, closures, and the status of the Greathouse Visitor Center and mine tours.
  • Bring water and sun protection, as the area can be hot and exposed, especially during the summer months.
  • Wear sturdy shoes suitable for hiking on uneven terrain.
  • Consider visiting during the spring to see the wildflowers in bloom.
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Getting There

  • Driving

    The Black Diamond Mines Regional Preserve is located south of Pittsburg and Antioch. From Highway 4, take the Somersville Road exit in Antioch and drive south towards the hills. Follow Somersville Road for approximately four miles to the preserve entrance. Continue to the parking lot at the end of the road. Parking costs $5 per vehicle when the kiosk is attended, typically on weekends and some holidays. A $4 fee applies for trailered vehicles.

  • Public Transport

    While there is no direct public transportation to the Black Diamond Mines Regional Preserve, you can take Tri Delta Transit Route 391 to the intersection of Somersville Road and James Donlon Boulevard in Antioch. From there, it is approximately a 2-mile walk south on Somersville Road to the park entrance. A single ride on Tri Delta Transit costs $2.25. Be aware that Somersville Road has limited pedestrian infrastructure, so exercise caution while walking.

Unlock the Best of Black Diamond Mines Regional Preserve

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Discover more about Black Diamond Mines Regional Preserve

Black Diamond Mines Regional Preserve, located in Antioch, California, offers a unique window into the state's rich mining history. From the 1860s to the early 1900s, this area was the site of California's largest coal mining operation, extracting nearly four million tons of coal. The "black diamonds" fueled the growing cities of the West. Five coal mining towns – Nortonville, Somersville, Stewartville, West Hartley, and Judsonville – once thrived here, populated by people from all over the world. In the 1920s, underground mining for silica sand began, supplying the Hazel-Atlas Glass Company in Oakland and the Columbia Steel Works in Pittsburg. This sand was essential for glass production and steel casting. Although these towns are now gone, the preserve protects their legacy, with remnants of buildings, mines, and the historic Rose Hill Cemetery. Today, the 8,533-acre preserve offers over 60 miles of trails for hiking, picnicking, and nature study. Visitors can explore the rolling hills, grasslands, and woodlands, while also learning about the area's unique geological formations and diverse plant and animal life. The Greathouse Visitor Center, located in an underground chamber excavated in the 1920s, features exhibits and artifacts from the coal and sand mining eras. Although the mines and visitor center are temporarily closed, the preserve remains open for outdoor exploration.

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