Audible Mount Diablo

Joan Hamilton: writer, producer

Audible Mount Diablo is an invitation to adventure. Its free multimedia tours combine lively interviews and music with the rush of wind and the chirps, howls, and growls of wildlife. Naturalists heighten visitors’ appreciation of the sights and sounds at each stop, tell tales of the mountain’s past, and suggest what to look for around the next bend. Perfect to prepare for your first--or your hundredth--trip up the mountain. Sponsored by Save Mount Diablo and the Mount Diablo Interpretive Association Produced by Audio Guides to the Outdoors read less

Start Here

Grand Loop: Episode 1

Grand Loop: Episode 1

INTRODUCTION Enjoy a panoramic hike around the top of California’s 3,849-foot Mount Diablo. The tour's 11 stops can be enjoyed at home or downloaded to to take on the trail. Sponsored by Save Mount Diablo & California State Parks Foundation, 2010. Music by Phil Heywood.

Grand Loop: Episode 1

Grand Loop: Episode 1

INTRODUCTION Enjoy a panoramic hike around the top of California’s 3,849-foot Mount Diablo. The tour's 11 stops can be enjoyed at home or downloaded to to take on the trail. Sponsored by Save Mount Diablo & California State Parks Foundation, 2010. Music by Phil Heywood.

Grand Loop: Episode 2

Grand Loop: Episode 2

JUNIPER CAMP Learn the survival secrets of junipers and gray pines—and discover why the fragrant bay laurel is a backpacker’s friend. Save Mount Diablo's "Grand Loop" tour features naturalists Seth Adams, Ken Lavin, Mike Moran, and Beverly Ortiz. Sponsored by Save Mount Diablo & California State Parks Foundation, 2010. Music by Phil Heywood.

Grand Loop: Episode 3

Grand Loop: Episode 3

Where BURMA ROAD joins the trail to Deer Flat is a great place to learn about the mountain’s leafy northern side. Save Mount Diablo's "Grand Loop" tour features naturalists Seth Adams, Ken Lavin, Mike Moran, and Beverly Ortiz. Sponsored by Save Mount Diablo and California State Parks Foundation, 2010. Music by Phil Heywood.

Grand Loop: Episode 4

Grand Loop: Episode 4

With its valley oaks and gray pines, DEER FLAT is an oasis for birds. In this segment, learn to identify the scrub jay and spotted towhee. Save Mount Diablo's "Grand Loop" tour features naturalists Seth Adams, Ken Lavin, Mike Moran, and Beverly Ortiz. Sponsored by Save Mount Diablo and California State Parks Foundation, 2010. Music by Phil Heywood.

Grand Loop: Episode 5

Grand Loop: Episode 5

It takes gumption to climb up to 2,330-foot MURCHIO GAP. It’s worth it, though, if you like history, views, and the color pink. Save Mount Diablo's "Grand Loop" tour features naturalists Seth Adams, Ken Lavin, Mike Moran, and Beverly Ortiz. Sponsored by Save Mount Diablo and California State Parks Foundation, 2010. Music by Phil Heywood.

Grand Loop: Episode 6

Grand Loop: Episode 6

ON THE KNOLL Now you’re on a rocky high point on the Bald Ridge Trail, a quarter mile or so from Murchio Gap. And there's plenty to see! Save Mount Diablo's "Grand Loop" tour features naturalists Seth Adams, Ken Lavin, Mike Moran, and Beverly Ortiz. Sponsored by Save Mount Diablo and California State Parks Foundation, 2010. Music by Phil Heywood.

Grand Loop: Episode 7

Grand Loop: Episode 7

PROSPECTORS GAP You’re two thirds of the way around our loop. Learn how and why the mountain changes as you move onto its eastern and southern slopes. Save Mount Diablo's "Grand Loop" tour features naturalists Seth Adams, Ken Lavin, Mike Moran, and Beverly Ortiz. Sponsored by Save Mount Diablo and California State Parks Foundation, 2010. Music by Phil Heywood.

Grand Loop: Episode 8

Grand Loop: Episode 8

ALONG NORTH PEAK TRAIL Imagine it’s a fine day in May of 1862. You’ve climbed this mountain, and you are writing a letter to a relative on the East Coast. Save Mount Diablo's "Grand Loop" tour features naturalists Seth Adams, Ken Lavin, Mike Moran, and Beverly Ortiz. Sponsored by Save Mount Diablo and California State Parks Foundation, 2010. Music by Phil Heywood.

Grand Loop: Episode 9

Grand Loop: Episode 9

DEVIL'S PULPIT On one of the best trails on the mountain, we stare up at a relic of aviation history, “the eye of Diablo.” Save Mount Diablo's "Grand Loop" tour features naturalists Seth Adams, Ken Lavin, Mike Moran, and Beverly Ortiz. Sponsored by Save Mount Diablo and California State Parks Foundation, 2010. Music by Phil Heywood.

Grand Loop: Episode 10

Grand Loop: Episode 10

DEVIL'S ELBOW Where the trail crosses the Summit Road, a gangly elderberry bush shares its space with some poison oak. Learn about why elderberry is important to Native Americans. Save Mount Diablo's "Grand Loop" tour features naturalists Seth Adams, Ken Lavin, Mike Moran, and Beverly Ortiz. Sponsored by Save Mount Diablo and California State Parks Foundation, 2010. Music by Phil Heywood.

Grand Loop: Episode 11

Grand Loop: Episode 11

Seth Adams on the SUMMIT: “This is always what I think of as a sacrifice area, just like Half Dome, the Whitney portal to Whitney, etcetera. It’s also an opportunity." Save Mount Diablo's "Grand Loop" tour features naturalists Seth Adams, Ken Lavin, Mike Moran, and Beverly Ortiz. Sponsored by Save Mount Diablo and California State Parks Foundation, 2010. Music by Phil Heywood.

Grand Loop: Episode 12

Grand Loop: Episode 12

KNOW YOUR PLACE Gaze at the rest of the Diablo Range, meet a gnarly ancient oak, and consider the benefits of frequent visits to your favorite parks. Save Mount Diablo's "Grand Loop" tour features naturalists Seth Adams, Ken Lavin, Mike Moran, and Beverly Ortiz. Sponsored by Save Mount Diablo and California State Parks Foundation, 2010. Music by Phil Heywood.

Bay Area Geology: California Geological Survey

Bay Area Geology: California Geological Survey

A curious crew from the California Geological Survey combed California in the 1860s. They were led by scientists Josiah Whitney, William Brewer, and Clarence King. Hear their remarkable stories, as told by master naturalist and raconteur Ken Lavin. It’s part of the AUDIBLE MOUNT DIABLO series, a joint project of the MOUNT DIABLO INTERPRETIVE ASSOCIATION and SAVE MOUNT DIABLO. On our Facebook page, follow us, like us, and learn.

Bay Area Geology: Andrew Lawson

Bay Area Geology: Andrew Lawson

UC Berkeley's Professor Andrew Lawson was the first to map the San Andreas Fault, but he couldn't get along with his counterpart at Stanford. Some things never change! This podcast is part of the AUDIBLE MOUNT DIABLO series, a joint project of the MOUNT DIABLO INTERPRETIVE ASSOCIATION and SAVE MOUNT DIABLO. On our Facebook page, follow us, like us, and learn.

Introducing Mount Diablo: Episode 1

Introducing Mount Diablo: Episode 1

Here's the first in a series of podcasts introducing you to the lore and legends of Mount Diablo. Listen for a few minutes, once a week, and you're on your way to becoming an expert!

Introducing Mount Diablo: Episode 2

Introducing Mount Diablo: Episode 2

MOUNT DIABLO 101 Take a hike with Seth Adams, who’s been roaming Mount Diablo on behalf of the conservation organization Save Mount Diablo since 1988. This podcast is part of the Audible Mount Diablo series, sponsored by Save Mount Diablo and the Mount Diablo Interpretive Association.

Introducing Mount Diablo: Episode 3

Introducing Mount Diablo: Episode 3

WILDLIFE Mount Diablo has great habitat for coyotes, bobcats, mountain lions, foxes, and skunks, as well as the densest population of golden eagles on the planet. Learn all about it from wildlife columnist Gary Bogue. This podcast is part of the Audible Mount Diablo series, sponsored by Save Mount Diablo and the Mount Diablo Interpretive Association.

Introducing Mount Diablo: Episode 4

Introducing Mount Diablo: Episode 4

MOUNTAIN LIONS Wildlife columnist Gary Bogue describes how to identify this elusive predator—and what to do in the unlikely event of a too-close-for-comfort encounter. This podcast is part of the Audible Mount Diablo series, sponsored by Save Mount Diablo and the Mount Diablo Interpretive Association.

Introducing Mount Diablo: Episode 5

Introducing Mount Diablo: Episode 5

“People are terrified of RATTLESNAKES,” says wildlife columnist Gary Bogue. But you can learn how to safely observe these fascinating reptiles. This podcast is part of the Audible Mount Diablo series, sponsored by Save Mount Diablo and the Mount Diablo Interpretive Association.

Introducing Mount Diablo: Episode 7

Introducing Mount Diablo: Episode 7

POISON OAK Seth Adams explains what hikers need to know to avoid—and appreciate—this problematic plant. This podcast is part of the Audible Mount Diablo series, sponsored by Save Mount Diablo and Mount Diablo Interpretive Association.