Full moon/Sunset Tarantula Hike

Hike Information & Participant Guide

Join me on a guided evening hike through one of Walnut Creek’s hidden gems—Shell Ridge. As the sun sets and the landscape transforms, we’ll experience the remarkable beauty of the oak woodlands under the glow of the moon.

Discover the vibrant colors of oak galls, watch for tarantulas emerging during the cooler evening temperatures, and listen for the calls of owls echoing through the night. Beneath the moonlight, the Blue Oaks take on a quiet, magical presence that few people have the opportunity to experience.

This hike offers a unique chance to slow down, observe the wonders of the natural world, and experience the landscape in a way that daytime rarely reveals.

This is an evening you won’t want to miss.

Hike Focus

This hike will explore:

Tarantulas
Oak galls
Scorpions
Tarantula hawk wasps
Orange light at sunset
Rattlesnake safety
Owls
The full moon
Gray pine
Coulter pine
Blue oak
Acorn woodpeckers

Meeting Location

1941 Whitecliff Way, Walnut Creek, CA 94596

Please Note: This address is used only as a location marker. We will meet at the trailhead on the right side of the road when facing north.

Trailhead GPS Coordinates:
37.88650° N, 122.01790° W

Hike Details

Distance: 3 miles
Accumulated Elevation Gain: 482 feet
Estimated Hiking Time: 2.5 hours
Hike Level: Easy to Moderate
Pace: Slow to moderate with frequent stops for observation and discussion
Distance from Sacramento: Approximately 58 miles
Departure: The hike generally begins 10 minutes after the scheduled meeting time.
RSVP: Please RSVP through Meetup and arrive on time.

It is the responsibility of each participant to bring sufficient water, electrolytes, and sun protection.

You’re welcome to bring a lunch if you’d like to join the group afterward at the picnic tables near the trailhead.

Weather

Weather can be warm during the day, followed by cooler temperatures with possible wind. Dress in layers.

Trail Conditions

Generally dry during October
Some moderate inclines
Can become very muddy after prolonged rain, typically beginning in late November or December
Cattle regularly graze in the area

Terrain

Loose gravel in places
Dry native clay
Uneven trail surfaces

Parking

Free residential street parking is available along Whitecliff Way.
Please do not block driveways or mailboxes.

Parking Cost: Free

Phone Service

Fair

Amenities

Information board
Shoe cleaning station

Restrooms

There are no restrooms at the trailhead.

The nearest restrooms are located at Rudgear Park, approximately 1.1 miles (4 minutes) away.

Bear Awareness

Bear activity is uncommon in this area.

As a general outdoor precaution, avoid leaving scented items inside your vehicle, including:

Food
Sunscreen
Toothpaste
Lip balm
Pet food
Trash
Other scented products

Bears have an exceptional sense of smell and may damage vehicles while attempting to access these items.

Wildlife Considerations

Cattle frequently graze throughout the preserve. Please give all cattle plenty of space, especially cows with calves.

Wildlife you may encounter includes:

Tarantulas
Tarantula hawk wasps
Scorpions
Rattlesnakes
Owls
Acorn woodpeckers
Numerous native insects and birds

Recommended Gear

Water and electrolytes
Sun protection (hat, sunscreen, sunglasses)
Appropriate hiking footwear
Weather-appropriate layers
Lunch and snacks
Trekking poles (optional)

Children

Allowed / Not Allowed

Dogs

Allowed / Not Allowed

Carpool

Carpooling will not be provided by the host. Participants are welcome to arrange transportation independently.

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Group Expectations

Learning Together

This hike is not about speed, competition, or expertise. We will focus on slowing down, observing the landscape, asking questions, and learning together through curiosity and shared discovery.

Respect & Courtesy

Please be respectful and courteous to fellow attendees.

Curiosity is encouraged. Questions are always welcome.

Gatekeeping, harassment, discrimination, or disruptive behavior will not be tolerated.

Leave No Trace

Help protect the places we visit by:

Packing out all trash.
Respecting plants, wildlife, and cultural resources.
Staying on designated trails whenever appropriate.
Leaving natural objects where you find them unless otherwise discussed as part of a permitted educational activity.

Photography

Please ask permission before taking or posting identifiable photographs of other attendees.

No One Left Behind

Unless otherwise stated, the group will periodically regroup throughout the hike to help ensure that no participant is unintentionally left behind.

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Safety & Responsibility

Participation is voluntary and at your own risk.

Each attendee is responsible for evaluating their own health, fitness level, abilities, and preparedness for current trail conditions.

The host reserves the right to modify, postpone, or cancel the hike due to weather, wildfire smoke, trail closures, unsafe conditions, or other unforeseen circumstances.

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About the Host

Michael Mallory is a lifelong hiker, backpacker, and outdoor enthusiast. He is Wilderness First Responder (WFR) trained and Adult CPR certified.

Michael’s connection to the land has been shaped by journeys through places such as Death Valley, the Grand Canyon, and many mountain ranges throughout California. His deepest roots, however, are on Mount Diablo.

Guided by curiosity and a passion for self-directed learning, he studies trees, plants, geology, wildlife, and the language of wind, water, and earth. His approach emphasizes slowing down, paying attention, and discovering what the landscape can teach when we walk with presence.

Whether identifying an oak, watching a hawk ride thermals, or simply noticing how the evening light changes across the hills, his goal is to help people cultivate a deeper relationship with the natural world through observation, curiosity, and shared exploration.