Diablo Lake, Ross Dam Trail — Saturday, Mar. 30, 2024

Overnight Trip from Diablo Dam TH to Big Beaver Camp and Back.

Day 1: 12.58mi / 2,303ft gain Day 2: 12.84mi / 2,018ft gain

TL;DR:
Trail is in great shape and super runnable. Good tread, easy to follow, and gentle grade make for pretty quick miles. Frequent and reliable water sources as well. On a clear day the views are incredible. No snow, a few minor blowdowns closer to camp. 

Road Conditions: Paved all the way on Hwy 20 where we parked. There is a gate which seems like if you call or push buttons they will open to let you down to the TH parking area by the lake. We didn't realize this so just tacked on some extra mileage and parked off HWY 20. There were some toilets near the learning center, but possibly locked in the off season. 

Trail Conditions: 
As mentioned above, it's really great! It's super easy to follow and well marked. You will pass over a foot bridge and both dams if you take this route. There is also about a mile of gravel road between the two dams, but is in great condition. There's a handful of blowdowns closer to camp, but all easy to navigate around and over. This is one of my favorite trails to run, so definitely doable as a day hike or trail run if that's your thing. No snow, completely melted out and no signs or even remnants of snow lingering. 

Animals/Bugs: Dare I say there were a couple of mosquitos, and I may or may not have come back with a bite on my ankle. And so it begins... genuinely though, there were only a couple near camp, but otherwise no pesky flies or bugs throughout the day. Only other animal sightings were birds, grouse, and squirrels. Unfortunately no beaver sightings. 

Water sources: Flowing water every miles at least. You can collect water from the lake at camp, but I'd recommend snagging it at the last creek you pass that has easy access to fill up and is crystal clear lovely water. 

Other: There was only one other couple at camp, and passed only a few day hikers in and out, so pretty quiet, but great early season trail. Things are very green and mossy, and spring is starting to come around. This camp does require a permit, so be sure to self permit, or during open season you'll have to purchase one online through the NCNP. 

Happy Trails!