GFNY Walnut Creek

Even though Walnut Creek is located just 25 miles east of San Francisco, it feels like a different world from the busy city life. It’s where the high-end energy of the East Bay meets the charm of hometown California and rugged trails of Northern California. The city is defined by Mount Diablo due to its location at the western base of the 3,849-foot landmark. While downtown is famous for its luxury shopping and top-tier dining, the heart of the city remains connected to nature and open spaces. A mix of laid-back California lifestyle and metropolitan flair – “Calipolitan.”

Mount Diablo is one of the Bay Area’s grandest landmarks, and its peak is visible from most spots around the Bay. On a clear day, the views from the top are stunning, from the Golden Gate Bridge all the way to the Sierra Nevadas. At 3,849 feet, Mount Diablo is the myth, the legend and the aspiration for cyclists.

Walnut Creek is the perfect base for a cyclist. You get the comfort of a walkable, refined city with immediate access to countless bike paths, and some of the most iconic cycling in North America. Families enjoy an eclectic collection of culture, outdoor activities, award-winning shopping, cuisine, and more. GFNY Walnut Creek delivers a serious challenge and fun in one of California's most beautiful locations.

The race course has four segments: 1) The powerful and exciting first 10 miles, 2) The 14 miles on the remote and quaint Morgan Territory Road, 3) The 15 miles along the base of Mount Diablo between Morgan Territory Road and Mt Diablo Scenic Blvd, and 4) The 11-mile Mount Diablo climb. The last portion of the event, segment 5, is the non-timed, non-raced 14-mile descent from the summit of Mount Diablo back to Shadelands SportsMall.