Tarantula Trekking at Mt. Diablo

How do the tarantulas know it's Halloween? Of course they don't. But it seems somehow appropriate that in the season of witchy tales and rubber spiders, real tarantulas arise on Mt. Diablo to refute the sinister mythology that accompanies these beautiful creatures.

Mt. Diablo State Park and Lindsay Wildlife Museum both lead tarantula hikes in the Mt. Diablo region -- to teach an appreciation and respect for these unusual spiders, and to provide some first-hand experience with the docile animals.

Mating season in tarantula country brings the males out of their burrows in some areas of the park. A knowledgeable guide will take you through the habitat, armed with information and answers for anyone who's interested in a unique encounter with this element of our local wildlife.

The treks happen only in late September and early October, and the next tarantula hikes are this coming Sunday, September 28 and then again on October 5. A free hike is available through Mt. Diablo State Park. No pre-registration required. Lindsay Wildlife Museum in Walnut Creek also offers a guided tarantula walk ($20 for non-members) on October 18 and 25. The October 18 trek is full (waiting list available), but as of this writing, spots are still available on October 25.

See a Photo Tour of the Mt. Diablo State Park Tarantula Trek. The photo tour includes additional information on tarantulas and on the tarantula trek.

^{Pictured: Tarantula in Mt. Diablo State Park
Photo © Ingrid Taylar}