Tropical Trail Mix + Hiking Mt Diablo Grand Loop

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!

Hiking Mt Diablo Grand Loop

Hiking Mt Diablo Grand Loop

Hiking Mt Diablo Grand Loop

Hiking Mt Diablo Grand Loop

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.

Hiking Mt Diablo Grand Loop

Hiking Mt Diablo Grand Loop

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.

Hiking Mt Diablo Grand Loop

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.

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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!

Hiking Mt Diablo Grand Loop

Hiking Mt Diablo Grand Loop

Hiking Mt Diablo Grand Loop

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.

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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.

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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. :)

Tropical Trail Mix- made with dried mango, coconut, bananas, macadamia nuts and lightly salted almonds! #grainfree #glutenfree

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.

Tropical Trail Mix- perfect to take for a hike or a healthy snack on the beach! #grainfree #cleaneating #ad_

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- made with dried mango, coconut, bananas, macadamia nuts and lightly salted almonds! #grainfree #glutenfree

Tropical Trail Mix

Yield: 4 to 6 servings

Prep Time: 5 minutes

Total Time: 5 minutes

Did you make this recipe?
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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