Hike Don’t Spike: Whipsnake Loop at Fernandez Ranch, Martinez

About

Our Breakthrough T1D Hike Don’t Spike event on Sunday, December 7 will take us on a scenic hike that’s interesting year-round, with bay breezes and rolling hills that you’ll barely notice climbing – Whipsnake Loop at Fernandez Ranch.  This will be a moderate 7-mile hike with a 950-foot elevation gain (AllTrails Map, Park Map) with an option to shorten it to ~4 miles if you don’t have the time or energy for the full hike.

The secret to this route is its variety of trails and how they change with the seasons. We’ll wander along single-path trails shaded by Live & Valley Oaks, fragrant Bay trees, and Black Walnuts, alternating with wide paths offering unending views of (at this time of year) brown hills spotted with black-and-white cows and green groves. The shaded areas also include green ferns juxtaposed with red poison oak and the dry, gray, tangled bark of fallen trees speckled with white Splitgill mushrooms. Our break at a sunny summit affords a 360-degree view of countless rolling hills – and perhaps a few early wildflowers.  Dogs on leash are welcome.

Of course, along the way we’ll have plenty of time to exchange experiences, insights, and questions about T1D!  We’ll meet at 9:30AM in the Fernandez Ranch Parking Lot (Google map link).  Parking is free and a restroom is available.