Tropical Trail Mix + Hiking Mt Diablo Grand Loop
Hey guys! I hope you all had a nice weekend!
We had some seriously beautiful weather in the Bay Area so Brandon and I took full advantage and went for a hike at the top of Mount Diablo.
We opted to do the Mt Diablo Grand Loop which is about 7 miles long with an elevation gain of over 2500 feet. It was probably the most physically challenging hike we’ve done yet but the views were definitely worth it!
The first stretch of the hike takes you down the east side of Mt Diablo and then around to the north. Although you can’t tell by the pictures, we lucked out with a really clear day and were able to see all the way to the Golden Gate Bridge and Mt Tamalpais.
After the first the couple of miles, we made our way around the north side and the trail started to climb to the top.
There was a lot of huffing and puffing during this part but at least there was a nice view to stop and appreciate while you catch your breath.
After that there was probably another mile of uphill climbing but thankfully it wasn’t quite as steep. The trail narrows along the side of the mountain and goes between several patches of trees with these white puffy things that almost look like cotton.
There were also a bunch of butterflies flying around all throughout the hike and I managed to get a shot of one of them towards the end. It’s wing was torn but it seemed to be getting around okay.
The last stretch was really challenging on my legs but I knew we were close so I tried my best to ignore it. I just kept reminding myself that once we got to the top, I would be able to sit down and reap the reward with the peanut butter and jelly sandwich I packed in my backpack!
After a few more steep inclines we finally reached the top. I never thought I’d be so happy to see that sign!
The views from the summit are pretty spectacular although there were a ton of people who came by car which made it feel slightly less rewarding. Nonetheless, we enjoyed the scenery and how good it felt to finally sit down to eat our sandwiches and the mushroom salad I had packed.
I know the mushroom salad might not look that great but trust me, it’s amazing! If you like mushrooms, of course. It’s just fresh mushrooms with parsley, lemon juice, olive oil and shaved parmesan. Simple yet delicious. Here’s the recipe in case you’re interested.
After we finished eating, we hiked the final mile back down the mountain to get back to our car.
Overall it took us about 4 hours, including several breaks to stop and take pictures and to eat. It was an incredible hike and I highly recommend it if you’re ever in the area!
It was actually a last minute decision for us since it had been cloudy for several days prior, but then I woke up and went to a Body Pump class on Saturday morning and saw how clear the skies were and I decided we should just go for it.
Looking back it probably wasn’t the best idea to do a weight lifting class before a strenuous hike like that but thankfully I was able to power through. I think the enormous bag of trail mix I brought might have had something to do with it though. :)
I usually go for a trail mix with chocolate because I’m a major chocoholic but I decided to try something different this time and went with a tropical-inspired combo of dried mango, coconut, and banana mixed with lightly salted almonds, macadamia nuts, pumpkin seeds, and raisins.
It turned to be an awesome combination! The flavors were light and refreshing, plus the carbs and the protein from the dried fruit and the nuts kept our energy up the whole time. It made me feel like I was on a Hawaiian beach. Or maybe that was just wishful thinking? ;)
Tropical Trail Mix
Yield: 4 to 6 servings
Prep Time: 5 minutes
Total Time: 5 minutes
Ingredients:
- 1 cup dried mango pieces
- 1 cup unsweetened coconut chips
- 1/2 cup freeze dried banana or banana chips
- 3/4 cup Blue Diamond Lightly Salted Almonds
- 1/2 cup roasted macadamia nuts
- 1/2 cup pumpkin seeds
- 1/2 cup raisins (optional)
Directions:
Place all ingredients in a large bowl and stir to combine. Store in an airtight container for up to 2 weeks.
This “Flavor Your Adventure” post is sponsored by Blue Diamond Almonds but all opinions and text are my own. For more snack ideas to “Flavor Your Adventure” this summer, visit Blue Diamond on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram.
The weather definitely looks better last weekend then when I went last fall. haha. Definitely a good hike. Your trail mix looks SO yummy, too.
I know! I remember how cloudy it was when you went. That’s the main reason why I wanted to make sure it was going to be a clear day!
That mix sounds so good!!! I’ve been loving almonds lately, especially for road trips!
Gaaaah I’ve been wanting to hike Mt. Diablo for years!! I’m thinking I really need to take a trip to the bay area and play in those mountains of yours. I hear there’s all sorts of great mountain biking down in that area too! And trail mix….only the perfect snack for recreating ever! I’m loving this tropical flavor infusion you’ve got going on.
I can’t wait to hike with you and Brandon!!!
I’m so excited to hike with you, love! xoxo
And I can imagine there is a ton of great mountain biking out here! I’m not sure I would do it on this trail because it was so steep and really narrow at some parts but I bet there are other trails that are better for it.
Looks like fantastic views on the hike. I would be the one doing an incredibly hard class before doing that as well, haha! The poor butterfly’s wing :(. And yes to that trail mix! That does, indeed, sound like a winning combo!!
Mmm Blue Diamond just sent me those almonds too, so I will have to make this! PB+Js are perfect for hiking :) Great views and photos!
We have YET to do the Mt. Diablo full hike, but it is definitely on our list. And of course, trail mix and a sandwich will be packed in my backpack when we do. Glad you guys had such a beautiful day for this adventure! :)
What a beautiful day for a hike! Sounds like a tough one, too — were your glutes sore?
They actually weren’t which I thought was strange! My hamstrings and my calves were though.
What gorgeous views! I have to drive at least 2-2/12 hours to get anywhere hilly, so hiking doesn’t happen much for me. Guess that’s the ONE downside to living near the beach. ;-)
That trail mix also looks delicious. I normally go for chocolate too, but I still approve of this option!
Yes, I think it’s either one or the other, unless you’re in Maui. ;)
The beach here is way too cold for me!
Love that you actually took the trail mix on the trail! :) This looks delicious and so does that mushroom salad.
That hike looks gorgeous! I want to go back to Northern Cali and go hiking and boating and explore. I went once for a few days but only to Berkeley where a friend is in school, and to SF during the day, because we had no car.
Yes, you have to come back and do some hiking!
The views! I bet they were so worth the hike, though knowing myself I would have been complaining around mile 4 or 5 :D WHOOPS. That trail mix though… that could probably get me through any hike!
Body Pump + a 4 hour hike?! You go girl, what a super active day! I can totally relate to that “just keeping on pushing!” hiking mentality when I’m struggling. Food at the top of the hike is always a good motivator too bahaha :) Looks like a beautiful day with beautiful mountain views!
PS – How cute are you labeling the trail mix & date it was made?! You’re so adorably organized.
How I miss those views!! Thank you for the beautiful pictures :)
I’m glad I could help you reminisce a little! :)
What a yummy snack idea! Pinning for sure :)
The photos from your hike are beautiful! What stunning scenery. I love the sound of your trail mix too – the tropical flavours sound perfect for summer, and I’m a real dried mango addict (it’s my favourite!!). Love this!
Your hike looks beautiful! It has been so hot here lately that I break into a sweat everytime I think about hiking, haha! Nice views are always mandatory after you’ve climbed up a big hill! I need to start making my own trail mix because delicious snacks are always a must when hiking :)
That hike seriously looks perfect! But I know what you mean about never being so happy to see the top — I’ve had that happen on a few different occasions :lol: And YES to trail mix being an absolute godsend on those excursions. You get a lot fancier with yours than I do with mine… I usually just toss raisins, chocolate chips, and almonds in a bag and call it a day :lol:
The hiking in California looks amazing! We went hiking this past Saturday for the very same reason. It was a beautiful, clear day, and just too good not to get some time outdoors. I also skipped a Body Pump class in favor of the hike! Yours sounds tougher than the one we did though, which is embarrassing because I was griping about the heat and the climbing at certain points! :)
This looks like an amazing hike! Sometimes the hardest ones are the most rewarding. My husband and I will definitely check this out, now that we’re in the area. There are so many amazing places to see around here – I feel spoiled!
Great idea to bring trail mix with you. I find that a handful of trail mix really helps me get through that mid-afternoon slump. I love this tropical version and will definitely try it out soon!
That hike looks just so cool! I wish the weather by us was nicer – it’s been so so hot and humid that I don’t even want to go outside! That mushroom salad looks so good! As does the trail mix – one of my favorite things to make to have for snackage! haha
Those views! Wow! Looks like such a fun trip! And the trail mix isnt so bad either ;)
The views from y’alls hike were FANTASTIC! And, so is this trail mix! Love love love the banana coconut mango combo!
I really want to do this hike!! So glad to know it’s totally amazing!
You definitely have to do it! It’s a great workout too. ;)