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At the eastern fringe of the San Francisco Bay Region, Mount Diablo, elevation 3,849 feet, stands alone on the edge of California’s great Central Valley. At this point, the Coast Range consists only of low hills, none high enough to block the view from the upper slopes of the mountain. As a result, the view is spectacular.
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, 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 California’s great Central Valley, the crest of the Sierra Nevada seems to float in space. With binoculars, you may even be able to pick out Half Dome in Yosemite National Park.
Mount Diablo State 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.
California State Park Foundation member discounts are available for this park. If you are a member, sign in to see the discount here.
Park News Alert
Due to extensive leaks the observation deck on the Summit Museum will remain closed until further notice.
Due to budget cuts Mount Diablo is reducing services on Wednesdays to park visitors. Restrooms may not be cleaned and trash may not be picked up on that day.
Due to extensive leaks the observation deck on the Summit Museum will remain closed until further notice.
Due to budget cuts Mount Diablo is reducing services on Wednesdays to park visitors. Restrooms may not be cleaned and trash may not be picked up on that day.
Getting There
The park is off Highway 680 near Danville. Exit at Diablo Road, then 3 miles east to Mount Diablo Scenic Blvd., which winds up to the park and eventually to the summit.
The park may be accessed by vehicle from the Walnut Creek area (North Gate Road).
The park is off Highway 680 near Danville. Exit at Diablo Road, then 3 miles east to Mount Diablo Scenic Blvd., which winds up to the park and eventually to the summit.
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.
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.
Operating Hours & Contact
Gates open 8am 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 10am - 4pm.
Mitchell Canyon Interpretive Center is open weekends only and some holidays.
Summer Hours: 8am - 4pm
Winter Hours: 10am - 2pm
Call 925-837-2525 for general park information.
Gates open 8am 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 10am - 4pm.
Mitchell Canyon Interpretive Center is open weekends only and some holidays.
Summer Hours: 8am - 4pm
Winter Hours: 10am - 2pm
Call 925-837-2525 for general park information.
Activities
Summit Building and Museum: constructed in the late 1930s by the California Conservation Corps, the sandstone for the building was quarried from Rock City. Remnants of ancient fossils can be found on the building.
Mitchell Canyon Interpretive Center: The Mitchell Canyon Interpretive Center, located at the south end of Mitchell Canyon Road 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 the 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.
The Fire Interpretive Trail: just below the summit, this trail showcases the natural recovery process that is underway following a 6,000-acre fire in 1977. Some spectacular vistas can be enjoyed along the way. The first half of this gentle 0.7-mile trail is accessible to visitors in wheelchairs.
Rock City: you will find unusually large sandstone formations and small caves here.
Climbing Rocks and Castle Rock: these are popular places 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.
Macedo Ranch: an excellent staging area for horse riders, bicyclists and hikers, located on the western side of the park.
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, 2,900 feet above sea level, you can see the Golden Gate.
Guided hikes and other interpretive events are conducted by the park staff. Publications of the park’s history and natural history and a detailed topographic hiking map are for sale in the park office, at entrance stations and at the Summit, where knowledgeable docents are available to answer your questions.
Picnicking: there are more than 50 picnic sites, each with table and barbeque stove, scattered along the park’s paved roads. There are also three group picnic areas that can accommodate from 25 to 100 people each. They can be reserved at the park’s headquarters.
Summit Building and Museum: constructed in the late 1930s by the California Conservation Corps, the sandstone for the building was quarried from Rock City. Remnants of ancient fossils can be found on the building.
Mitchell Canyon Interpretive Center: The Mitchell Canyon Interpretive Center, located at the south end of Mitchell Canyon Road 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 the 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.
The Fire Interpretive Trail: just below the summit, this trail showcases the natural recovery process that is underway following a 6,000-acre fire in 1977. Some spectacular vistas can be enjoyed along the way. The first half of this gentle 0.7-mile trail is accessible to visitors in wheelchairs.
Rock City: you will find unusually large sandstone formations and small caves here.
Climbing Rocks and Castle Rock: these are popular places 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.
Macedo Ranch: an excellent staging area for horse riders, bicyclists and hikers, located on the western side of the park.
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, 2,900 feet above sea level, you can see the Golden Gate.
Guided hikes and other interpretive events are conducted by the park staff. Publications of the park’s history and natural history and a detailed topographic hiking map are for sale in the park office, at entrance stations and at the Summit, where knowledgeable docents are available to answer your questions.
Picnicking: there are more than 50 picnic sites, each with table and barbeque stove, scattered along the park’s paved roads. There are also three group picnic areas that can accommodate from 25 to 100 people each. They can be reserved at the park’s headquarters.
Camping
Mt. Diablo has 56 campsites with hot showers and flush toilets. Some sites will accommodate RVs up to 20 feet; trailers are not recommended due to road conditions. Group sites are available with running water and pit toilets. Some have horse facilities.
Make Campground Reservations
Mt. Diablo has 56 campsites with hot showers and flush toilets. Some sites will accommodate RVs up to 20 feet; trailers are not recommended due to road conditions. Group sites are available with running water and pit toilets. Some have horse facilities.
Make Campground Reservations
Tips & Rules
The consumption of alcohol beverages is prohibited.
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.
The consumption of alcohol beverages is prohibited.
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.
Natural History
Much of the rock that makes up Mount Diablo is sedimentary in origin. It was laid down millions of years ago on the floor of the ocean. Within the last one to two million years, a piece of hard, red 160-million-year-old Franciscan rock was pushed up through six to eight miles of overlying rock and soil, tilting and distorting the rock layers and in some places turning them completely upside down. As a result, the fossilized remains of many sea creatures, as well as those of mastodons, saber-toothed cats and three-toe horses have been discovered here.
Elevations in the park range from 300 to 3,849 feet. This wide range of elevations creates broad variations in temperature, rainfall and wind exposure that have resulted in a wide variety of plant life on the mountain.
Most of the park is typical central California oak and grassland country with extensive areas of chaparral. Riparian woodland occurs on the lower slopes of the mountain, where the streams have water in them throughout most of the year. Several isolated stands of knobcone pine occur within the park, and foothill pine is found in many places. The northernmost groves of coulter pine occur on the lower, northerly slopes of the mountain, near the old mining ghost towns of Nortonville and Somersville just outside the park. Other trees include the coast live oak, bigleaf maple, California laurel (Oregon myrtle), maul oak, blue oak and buckeye. In all, over 400 species of plants have been identified within the park’s almost 20,000 acres.
Wildlife is also abundant. Coastal blacktailed deer, raccoons, California ground squirrels, eastern fox squirrels and gray foxes are often seen, but striped and spotted skunks, bobcats, mountain lions, coyotes, deer mice, cottontail rabbits, black-tailed hares and many other animals call the mountain home. Mount Diablo is known to harbor red-legged frogs, tarantulas, and the rare Alameda whipsnake, as well as its cousin the northern rattlesnake.
Much of the rock that makes up Mount Diablo is sedimentary in origin. It was laid down millions of years ago on the floor of the ocean. Within the last one to two million years, a piece of hard, red 160-million-year-old Franciscan rock was pushed up through six to eight miles of overlying rock and soil, tilting and distorting the rock layers and in some places turning them completely upside down. As a result, the fossilized remains of many sea creatures, as well as those of mastodons, saber-toothed cats and three-toe horses have been discovered here.
Elevations in the park range from 300 to 3,849 feet. This wide range of elevations creates broad variations in temperature, rainfall and wind exposure that have resulted in a wide variety of plant life on the mountain.
Most of the park is typical central California oak and grassland country with extensive areas of chaparral. Riparian woodland occurs on the lower slopes of the mountain, where the streams have water in them throughout most of the year. Several isolated stands of knobcone pine occur within the park, and foothill pine is found in many places. The northernmost groves of coulter pine occur on the lower, northerly slopes of the mountain, near the old mining ghost towns of Nortonville and Somersville just outside the park. Other trees include the coast live oak, bigleaf maple, California laurel (Oregon myrtle), maul oak, blue oak and buckeye. In all, over 400 species of plants have been identified within the park’s almost 20,000 acres.
Wildlife is also abundant. Coastal blacktailed deer, raccoons, California ground squirrels, eastern fox squirrels and gray foxes are often seen, but striped and spotted skunks, bobcats, mountain lions, coyotes, deer mice, cottontail rabbits, black-tailed hares and many other animals call the mountain home. Mount Diablo is known to harbor red-legged frogs, tarantulas, and the rare Alameda whipsnake, as well as its cousin the northern rattlesnake.
Accessible Features
Picnic Area
Summit Picnic Area. A small picnic area with an accessible table is across the road from the summit lower lot. An adjacent paved parking space designated accessible is usable but narrow and may require some assistance with the slope. An accessible restroom is in the visitor center.
Rocky Point. A picnic site here is usable. A picnic table under a large tree is on dirt, but not far off paved lot. Table has proper knee height at ends and about 13” deep knee and toe space. Restroom. Modified vault (no flush) toilet may permit front transfers, though space is a bit short. Parking is unmarked but paved. Path of travel from lot to restroom is asphalt and pretty level.
Other. Many small picnic areas are tucked along both sides of the park road to the summit. Most are quite inaccessible due to a combination of terrain problems, ancient vault restrooms, and inaccessible historic picnic tables. Some areas with large level parking lots (ask park staff) might be worth the drive just for the view.
Exhibits/Programs
Visitor Center. Open Wednesday through Sunday, the visitor center is located at the summit of Mt. Diablo. An accessible ground level entry is available. It is kept locked pending either a toll-free phone call from parking lot pay phone or a companion entering the upper entry to alert staff to unlock the entry. A usable older elevator transports visitors to the museum. Exhibits are generally accessible. Assistive listening devices are available. Observation Deck. An observation deck at the top of the visitor center is also served by the elevator and a ramp or by stairs. Restroom: A generally accessible restroom is located in the downstairs entry foyer near the elevator.
Mitchell Canyon Interpretive Center. A small interpretive center and a park administrative office are located at 96 Mitchell Canyon Road in Clayton, near the north gateway to Mount Diablo. The interpretive center is located in a trailer staffed by the volunteer association. A ramped entry is usable, and exhibit and sales areas are tight but staff is there to help. Parking. A designated accessible space is near the office but the surface of the space and the path to the trailer are covered in loose gravel.
Picnic Area
Summit Picnic Area. A small picnic area with an accessible table is across the road from the summit lower lot. An adjacent paved parking space designated accessible is usable but narrow and may require some assistance with the slope. An accessible restroom is in the visitor center.
Rocky Point. A picnic site here is usable. A picnic table under a large tree is on dirt, but not far off paved lot. Table has proper knee height at ends and about 13” deep knee and toe space. Restroom. Modified vault (no flush) toilet may permit front transfers, though space is a bit short. Parking is unmarked but paved. Path of travel from lot to restroom is asphalt and pretty level.
Other. Many small picnic areas are tucked along both sides of the park road to the summit. Most are quite inaccessible due to a combination of terrain problems, ancient vault restrooms, and inaccessible historic picnic tables. Some areas with large level parking lots (ask park staff) might be worth the drive just for the view.
Exhibits/Programs
Visitor Center. Open Wednesday through Sunday, the visitor center is located at the summit of Mt. Diablo. An accessible ground level entry is available. It is kept locked pending either a toll-free phone call from parking lot pay phone or a companion entering the upper entry to alert staff to unlock the entry. A usable older elevator transports visitors to the museum. Exhibits are generally accessible. Assistive listening devices are available. Observation Deck. An observation deck at the top of the visitor center is also served by the elevator and a ramp or by stairs. Restroom: A generally accessible restroom is located in the downstairs entry foyer near the elevator.
Mitchell Canyon Interpretive Center. A small interpretive center and a park administrative office are located at 96 Mitchell Canyon Road in Clayton, near the north gateway to Mount Diablo. The interpretive center is located in a trailer staffed by the volunteer association. A ramped entry is usable, and exhibit and sales areas are tight but staff is there to help. Parking. A designated accessible space is near the office but the surface of the space and the path to the trailer are covered in loose gravel.
Trails
Summary
Difficulty
Distance
Mt. Diablo Summit Trail to Rock City
Hike from South Gate Dr. on the Summit Trail to Sentinel Peak and assorted 'Wind Caves' on Mt. Diablo
Hike from South Gate Dr. on the Summit Trail to Sentinel Peak and assorted 'Wind Caves' on Mt. Diablo
Moderate
5.1 mi
8.2 km
8.2 km
Summit and Secret Valley Trails Loop
Open grasslands and ocean vistas with stair-climbing in a deep Redwood canyon
Open grasslands and ocean vistas with stair-climbing in a deep Redwood canyon
Moderate
6.0 mi
9.7 km
9.7 km
Mount Diablo's Grand Loop
A 40-minute audio guide to a panoramic trail encircling one of the Bay Area's highest peaks.
A 40-minute audio guide to a panoramic trail encircling one of the Bay Area's highest peaks.
Moderate
6.2 mi
10.0 km
10.0 km
Waterfall loop at Mount Diablo State Park
Winter and spring rains create scenic waterfalls in this hike at Mount Diablo, the East Bay's signature peak.
Winter and spring rains create scenic waterfalls in this hike at Mount Diablo, the East Bay's signature peak.
Moderate
6.5 mi
10.5 km
10.5 km
Mt. Diablo State Park Exploration
This park is one of the ecological treasures of the San Francisco Bay Area.
This park is one of the ecological treasures of the San Francisco Bay Area.
Difficult
3.9 mi
6.3 km
6.3 km
Mitchell Canyon to Eagle Peak Hike at Mount Diablo State Park
The lush greenery of Mitchell Canyon leads to an invigorating climb to Eagle Peak, a favorite of local hikers.
The lush greenery of Mitchell Canyon leads to an invigorating climb to Eagle Peak, a favorite of local hikers.
Difficult
7.8 mi
12.6 km
12.6 km
North Peak at Mount Diablo State Park
Skip the summit crowds and see Mount Diablo's North Peak. Strenuous 10-mile hike.
Skip the summit crowds and see Mount Diablo's North Peak. Strenuous 10-mile hike.
Difficult
10.0 mi
16.1 km
16.1 km
Bay Area Hiking by Season
Seasons signal ideal times to hike Bay Area trails; best hikes for each season of the year
Seasons signal ideal times to hike Bay Area trails; best hikes for each season of the year
38.0 mi
61.2 km
61.2 km
Guides
A 40-minute audio guide to a panoramic trail encircling one of the Bay Area's highest peaks.
Skip the summit crowds and see Mount Diablo's North Peak. Strenuous 10-mile hike.
Seasons signal ideal times to hike Bay Area trails; best hikes for each season of the year
Hike from South Gate Dr. on the Summit Trail to Sentinel Peak and assorted 'Wind Caves' on Mt. Diablo
Best places to hike in the San Francisco Bay Area
This park is one of the ecological treasures of the San Francisco Bay Area.
Open grasslands and ocean vistas with stair-climbing in a deep Redwood canyon
Winter and spring rains create scenic waterfalls in this hike at Mount Diablo, the East Bay's signature peak.
The lush greenery of Mitchell Canyon leads to an invigorating climb to Eagle Peak, a favorite of local hikers.
8.7 mile trail near Morgan Territory and Mt. Diablo, California
Community Trips
After a couple of weeks of rain, it's prime time to go on the falls loops on the Clayton side of Mt. Diablo. Lots of daffodils on the lower parts of the trail, too!Regency Gate > Donner Canyon Rd. > Cardinet Oaks Rd. > Middle Trail > Falls > Meridian Ridge Rd. > Meridian Point Trail > Back Creek Trail . Back Creek Rd. > Regency Gate.
The definitive Mt Diablo hike - Summit from Mitchell Canyon (loop)
Clayton, California, United States
13.0 miles
13.0 miles
Something else that I've been meaning to do for a long time: a hike from the base of Mount Diablo to the summit. While cleaning the house few months ago, I found an old brochure I got from a past visit, listing the "demanding hikes in Mt Diablo State Park". The "Summit from Mitchell Canyon" one caught my attention. It is featured as "the definitive Mt Diablo hike". Definitively appealing.Most of the...
A tough little 13 mile buttkicker of a hike which should be quashed by plentiful post hike brews to aid in your recovery.
We arrived at Mitchell Canyon parking only to be greeted by fierce winds whipping down the slopes of Diablo. This didn't bode well for our summit attempt as we expected winds to only worsen up on the mountain. We did get some pretty good gusts on the west facing slopes but thankfully they were fairly...
The wildflowers are in their peak. With Red Larkspur and chia.
"Want to do the definitive Mt. Diablo hike?" Vaudesir asked. "It has astoundingly steep stretches!" Wow, way to sell it. Well, OK. But you're driving.The hike started out pretty mild, following a beautiful stream with great wildflowers. And then it went up. The up was pretty relentless ... I don't really think any of it was "astounding"; I'm sure I've been on steeper hikes ... Hobbs Road to Mt Sizer at Henry...
Hike by the East Bay Casual Hiking group. We started at the base of Mt. Diablo on the south side just past Athenian School and headed up to the Summit Trail and then on to Rock City. After a snack break we climbed to the top of Sentinel Rock and then headed back down to the start. Nice warm and sunny day once the early morning fog burned off.
Scramble up the Sunset trail to Castle Rock, and cliffs. Little Pine Creek Rd. to Stage Rd, and back to parking lot.My watch ran out of battery a mile before I was done, so I had to fudge a little on the track. 5.3 miles should be accurate.
Monday was a great day for a hike on Mt. Diablo, even though
the sky was a bit hazy. The temperature was perfect (about 70) and the wildlife
was out in abundance. We saw two different species of snake that I had never
seen except in pictures and even though the grass is starting to turn brown,
there is a tremendous amount of wildflowers that more than made up for it.
I ended up taking so many...
Me and some friends got together for a nice fall hike. The view from the summit is incredible. It was a little hazy on the day that we went but still pretty incredible.
Reviews
