Cities near the park:

Mount Diablo SP

State Park

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.

     WATER CONSERVATION     February 5, 2009
Low rainfall and drought conditions are prompting Water Conservation at Mount Diablo State Park.
The measures being taken include:
        ◊ Showers are not available
        ◊ Water Conservation signs are posted at each spigot      
Park conditions and website information will be updated when the groundwater supply is able to produce enough water to keep up with day use picnicking and camping demand.


Dogs must be on a leash under your control at all times. Dogs are not allowed on trails. Dogs must be in a tent, camper or enclosed vehicle during the night.


Location-Directions
The park may be accessed by vehicle from the Walnut Creek area (North Gate Road).

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.

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ROAD AND TRAIL PLAN

What is a Road and Trail Plan?

A Road and Trail Plan is a recommended management plan for the roads and trails within Mount Diablo State Park. At this time Mount Diablo State Park is developing a Road and Trail Plan for the park. The staff at Mount Diablo State Park is very excited to be able to a part of this process. This plan will be used as a long term guiding document and takes into consideration all of the elements of the park's values, goals and mission.

Key components in the Road and Trail plan are:

• Maximize visitor uses and experiences.
  
  
• Reduce potential safety conflicts.
  
  
• Minimize natural and cultural resource impacts.
  
  
• Coordinate with local and regional planning efforts.
  
  
• Provide access to surrounding public lands.

Public input

An essential part of the Road and Trail Plan is creating an opportunity for the public to provide meaningful input. The park staff of Mount Diablo State Park will be setting up a series of public meetings during which time comments will be accepted. Times and dates of these meetings will be posted in the near future.

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.

• Mary Bowerman 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 Daily 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 supported by the Mount Diablo Interpretive Association, which works with the park to provide visitors with information so they can better enjoy Mount Diablo State 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.
  

Park Features Icon Legend
Max Camper Length: 20 Feet
Max Trailer Length: 20 Feet