Mile 0.0: Begin at the edge of the parking lot, on signed Curry Canyon Road. Even from the parking lot there are generous views to Diablo's summit. The broad fire road starts out level, as it bisects sloping grassland. Mile 0.1: Junction. Curry Canyon Road descends left into its namesake canyon. Stay straight on Knobcone Point Road. After a gentle rise, the fire road begins an easy descent. Mile 0.7: Junction with Devil's Slide Trail. Continue left on the fire road. Sticking to the right of a hillside, the trail ascends through coast live oaks. Look for golden fairy lanterns here in spring. Mile 0.8: Junction with Black Hawk Road. Continue straight/left on Knobcone Point Road. As the trail makes a transition into chaparral, it also begins to climb. There are rock formations visible off the trail to the right. Mile 1.8: Without much fanfare, you'll arrive at Balancing Rock, a large slab perched on another rock. If Balancing Rock was unsigned, you might walk right past it; I expected a view to a formation well off the trail, but it's right on the trail. This is a logical turnaround point, although you can continue a little further on Knobcone Point Road. A boundary with private property is not far down the trail. Mile 3.6: Back at the trailhead.
