Livorna Staging Area, Diablo Foothills Regional Park

No amenities besides trail maps, and a brutal start to the trail, but a great and never crowded trailhead.

Incredible hikes from this trailhead.

Good place to get outside for a run/hike/bike. Hardly any shade though, so wear a hat and make sure to bring water. Some steep grades and not much flat (it is the foothills), so mostly moderate hiking level.

I entered Diablo Foothills from the Livorna Staging Area (which I had to myself!) January 30th, 2016. The trail starts off nice and flat alongside a gated neighborhood, then forks through a small boggy area. If you fork right you end up in the neighborhood on Serafix Rd. Its a short distance, so when you realize you're going the wrong way you can come right back to the trail and fork left to continue! Once I started uphill it became a little muddier with a small washout area down the center of the trail, but a good pair of hiking shoes aided in the climb.

Unfortunately, I didn't realize how much of a challenge it would be to get back down the now steep, muddy hill. I made it up to the cattle gate, where the land seems to level off and dry out but could not find stable enough footing to open the gate and walk through.

I absolutely want to come back here and finish the hike I barely started, but strongly advise waiting until the ground is more firm and less muddy.