Members of the Sacramento Walking Sticks Volkssport Club invite the public to join them on wildflower walks – stunning spring wildflower displays and spectacular vistas – on the northern slopes of Mt. Diablo on the weekend of May 12-13.

The walks begin at Clayton Community Park, 7411 Marsh Creed Road in Clayton. Registration runs from 9 a.m. to noon on both days; the walks will be finished by 3:30 p.m. Participants who want “volkswalk credit” pay $3 per walk; otherwise, the walks are free. Water and restrooms are available at the registration point. Walkers should bring enough water to avoid dehydration.

Both walks require you to drive to a remote start and walk into the park unless you want to add an extra 2K (1.2 miles) onto each by walking instead to the start.

The first walk goes up Donner Canyon Road on an all-dirt trail at an easy grade and then joins the steep, narrow and sometimes slippery Falls Trail. The 5K (3.1 miles) route is rated 2C; the 10K (6.2 miles) route is rated 3C.

The second walk explores Mt. Diablo’s Mitchell Canyon. The 5K (3.1 miles) walk is an easy grade rated 1B; the 10K (6.2 miles) walk is a moderate grade rated 2B. These routes are not recommended for people in wheelchairs; only jogger strollers would be able to negotiate the Mitchell Canyon walk. Dogs are not allowed in Mt. Diablo State Park.

Walkers are encouraged to bring sack lunches. Following the walks, participants can walk the streets of the quaint town of Clayton and enjoy its shops and restaurants.

Volkssport membership is not required, but dues are only $8 for individuals, $14 for families and $5 for seniors (55 and over). In addition to weekend walks, the club offers group walks on Tuesday, Thursday and Friday mornings plus Wednesday evenings. The walks are fun and the people are friendly. It’s excellent exercise, good for your body and soul, and guaranteed to expose you to places you’d never find on your own.

The Sacramento Walking Sticks meet the second Thursday of the month at 7 p.m. in the SMUD Headquarters Building in the Conference Center, 6201 S St. in Sacramento.