Black Diamond Mines
5175 Somersville Road, Antioch, CA 94509-7807
Price of admission: Seasonal, weekends only: $5 per vehicle (when kiosk is attended); $4 per trailered vehicle. Buses: $25/per bus
Website - (925) 757-2620
Hours of Operations: Unless otherwise posted or permitted, open 8 a.m. to dusk (closing time varies seasonally)
Keywords: accessible, camping, exercise, Hiking, Nature, outdoor, Park, picnic, picnics, tour
The East Bay Regional Park District began acquiring land for Black Diamond Mines Regional Preserve in the early 1970s. Today, most of the mining district is within the Preserve's nearly 6,286 acres. The area is an ideal location for hiking, picnicking and nature study. Naturalists conduct a variety of programs relating the Preserve's natural and historic resources. For information phone (925) 757-2620.
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However, we recommend checking with the venue prior to your visit especially for special holiday hours or event schedule changes.
Tips
Hazel-Atlas Mine Tour -
From the mid-1920s to the mid-1940s, the Hazel-Atlas Mine produced silica sand to make jars, bottles, and other glass items. Today, tour participants can take a 800-foot walk into the mine to see mine workings, ore chutes, the shifter's office (mine boss), and ancient geological features. Because of its size and the need for safety, visitors will be taken in only on guided tours, with a limit of 15 persons per tour (minimum age seven years, parental participation is required). First come/first served tours lasting one and one half hours are offered at noon and 3 p.m. weekends only April to November. Arrive at least an hour early to have time to get to the mine entrance and to ensure a spot on the tour. The tour costs $3 per person, and tickets can be purchased at the Greathouse Visitor Center. Hour-long, advance-reservation tours are offered at 11 a.m., 1 p.m., and 2 p.m. on weekends April through November. A 10 a.m. tour is available on weekends (April through November) to groups of 10 or more by advance-reservation only. For advance-reservation tours, call 1-888-EBPARKS (1-888-327-2757, option 2, then 3).
