This park is one of the ecological treasures of the San
Francisco Bay Area. Every season in the park has its special qualities. Discover
for yourself the mountain's beautiful wildflowers, its extensive trail system,
fascinating wildlife and distinctive rock formations. View the stars from its
lofty heights, bike ride to its 3,849 foot summit or explore the more remote
trails by horseback. The park offers hiking, biking, horseback riding and
camping.
Location-Directions
The park may be accessed by vehicle from either the Danville area (Mount Diablo
Scenic Boulevard) or the Walnut Creek area (North Gate Road). Highway 680 to
Danville; take Diablo Road exit, then 3 miles east to Mount Diablo Scenic Blvd.
Seasons/Climate/Recommended clothing
Summers are generally hot and dry. The rainy season is generally from November
through mid-March. Visitors in the winter occasionally experience a snowfall on
the mountain peak.
Facilities - Activities
Many visitors to Mount Diablo head straight for the summit to enjoy the
famous view. Summer days are sometimes hazy, and the best viewing is often on
the day after a winter storm. Then, you can look to the west, beyond the Golden
Gate Bridge, to the Farallon Islands; southeast to the James Lick Observatory on
Mount Hamilton at 4,213 feet elevation; south to Mount Loma Prieta in the Santa
Cruz Mountains at 3,791 feet elevation, north to Mount Saint Helena in the Coast
Range at 4,344 feet elevation, and still farther north to Mount Lassen in the
Cascades at 10,466 feet. North and east of Mount Diablo the San Joaquin and
Sacramento Rivers meet to form the twisting waterways of the Delta. To the east
beyond Califomia's great central valley, the crest of the Sierra Nevada seems to
float in space.
- The Fire Interpretive Trail
Just below the summit, this trail offers spectacular vistas that can be
enjoyed along the way. The first half of the gentle 0.7-mile loop trail is
accessible to visitors in wheelchairs. Pick up a copy of the trail Nature
Guide at the trailhead.
- Rock City
You'll find unusually large sandstone formations and small caves here.
- Boy Scout Rocks and Sentinel Rock
These are popular places near Rock City for rock climbing. Check with the
ranger for regulations and the best approach.
- Fossil Ridge
Evidence of previous residents is embedded in these rocks. Please leave them
for future visitors to see.
- Deer Flat
You are likely to see some of the mountain's natural wildlife as you take
this moderately strenuous 1.6-mile hike from Juniper Camp.
- Mitchell Canyon Staging Area
This is the main access point to trails on the mountain's north side. From
here you can hike to Deer Flat (3.7 miles) or all the way to the summit (6.8
miles) by way of Juniper Camp.
- Diablo Valley Overlook
From here near Juniper Campground, 3,200 feet above sea level, you can see
the Golden Gate.
- Summit Museum - Open Wed. through Sun. 10:00am - 4:00pm
The summit museum is located in the historic stone building atop Mt.
Diablo's highest peak. The tower was constructed during the late 1930's of
fossiliferous sandstone blocks quarried in the park. The Visitor Center
highlights the cultural and natural history of Mt. Diablo State Park. Visit
the Mitchell Canyon Information Center on the north side of the mountain.
Exhibits
Impressive exhibits chronicle the history of the mountain and capture its
majesty. A rock wall with instructional video examines the geological forces
which created the mountain. Panels describe the native American history of
the region. A diorama, complete with native sounds, offers an overview of
the park's ecosystems. A model of the mountain acquaints visitors with
important park locations. Splendid photographs enhance the visitor's
experience. In addition to the exhibits, the summit museum features a gift
shop and audio-visual room.
- Art Gallery
Rotating displays of the fine interpretive art by local artists and
photographers complement the permanent exhibits.
- Observation Deck
Telescopes are mounted on the deck to help visitors enjoy one of the finest
views in the world. On the walk up the circular stairway to the observation
deck, visitors are treated to a look at ancient marine fossils embedded in
the sandstone walls of the summit building. In the rotunda they are reminded
of Mt. Diablo's importance as a survey point. Above the rotunda is a beacon,
historically important to aviators and now lighted once a year on December 7
in memory of those who lost their lives at Pearl Harbor.
- Mitchell Canyon Interpretive Center
The Mitchell Canyon Interpretive Center, located in Mount Diablo State Park
at the south end of Mitchell Canyon Road in Clayton, California, is staffed
by park volunteers. The gift shop is operated by the Mount Diablo
Interpretive Association, which works as a support group to the park in
providing visitors with information so they can better enjoy the park and
its natural wonders.
The Center has displays about various aspects of Mt. Diablo State Park, such
as geology, wildlife, trails, and plant life. Interpretive materials about
the Park, such as geology, wildlife, and plants, are for sale. There are
also postcards, note cards, trail maps, and water for sale.
Telephone:
925-837-2525
General park information.
925-838-9225
For information on mountain weather conditions.
Operating Hours:
Gates open 8:00am and close at sunset. Visitors should plan to be in their
vehicles by sunset and headed out to avoid being locked in.
The Visitor Center will be open 7 days a week from 10 am to 4 pm.
Summit Museum is open:
Open 7 days a week 10 am to 4 pm.
Mitchell Canyon Interpretive Center is open Weekends only and some holidays.
Summer Hours
8:00am to 4:00pm
Winter Hours
10:00am to 2:00pm
Mailing Address:
Mount Diablo State Park
96 Mitchell Canyon Road
Clayton CA 94517 |
