Guide to Mt. Diablo State Park
03/26/24Gain striking mountain views and find adventure at Mount Diablo State Park.
Mt. Diablo State Park casts an adventurous spirit over the Pleasant Hill area. Featuring a rich history and an abundance of things to do, we're here to help you navigate this ecological treasure’s recreational activities, remarkable geological landmarks, plants and wildlife, and the nearly 20,000 acres of explorable ground — all located just a short drive from downtown Pleasant Hill.
History
The history of Mt. Diablo is vast and plays an active role in the area's community and culture. Mount Diablo is sacred to many California Native Americans for various reasons. According to Miwok and Ohlone mythology, one reason is that the mountain stood as the point of all creation. Many believe that Mount Diablo and Reed's Peak used to be encompassed by water, and from these two islands, the creator Coyote and his assistant Eagle-man created Native American people and the world. Now, people worldwide visit the mountain to learn about its detailed past and get connected with the significant landmark.
Hiking & Biking
Mt. Diablo State Park offers numerous hiking and cycling trails that are waiting to guide you through breathtaking waterfalls, peaceful creeks, luscious forests, and fields of wildflowers. Hikers can take it easy on a stroll through the .7-mile Mary Bowerman Trail or break a sweat on the 6-mile Mount Diablo State Park Waterfall Loop Trail. For mountain bikers and cyclists, the 23.5-mile out and back to the mountain's summit is equally challenging and gratifying for both beginners and seasoned riders. Whether you're new to the park or visit often, it's important to remember to use the buddy system (hiking with a friend or family member) and to bring plenty of water no matter the weather.
Once you reach the summit — 3,849 feet above sea level — Mount Diablo stands out from other mountains nearby. When the conditions are ideal and the sky is clear, you can see nearly 200 miles off from the summit. According to rangers at Mt. Diablo State Park, 35 of California's counties are visible from the top! This panoramic view is unparalleled, so make sure to bring your binoculars and spend some time taking in the scene.
The Summit Visitor Center & Musuem
While perched upon the peak of Mount Diablo, be sure to stop by the nearby Summit Visitor Center, which sits within a historic building built in the late 1930s using fossiliferous sandstone blocks quarried in the park. The building was renovated in 2010 to feature the Summit Museum, which highlights the cultural impact and history of the area. Visitors can explore impressive exhibits that chronicle the history of the mountain and offer an overview of the park's ecosystems. The museum also contains a gift shop, an audio-visual room, and an observation deck to help guests enjoy one of the most fantastic views in the world.
Rock City
Located off of South Gate Road, about one mile north of the South Gate Kiosk, Rock City is one of the best places to explore and climb within Mt. Diablo State Park. Rock City features fantastic geological wonders like ancient wind caves, Elephant Rock, Fossil Ridge, Native American grinding rocks, and so much more. Get out and climb, hike, or have a picnic surrounded by unbelievable views and beautiful flora and fauna.
Camping
Spend a night or two at one of Mt. Diablo State Park's campgrounds for cozy campfires and a front-row view of the night sky's stars. The park has a few grounds to choose from, including Mount Diablo Group Campground, Juniper Campground, and Live Oak Campground, and most sites offer access to fire rings, picnic tables, and toilets. Some areas even have showers so that you can enjoy a more comfortable outdoor experience! Whether you're planning to stay with a large group or you're searching for a more tranquil vacation for you and a loved one, Mt. Diablo State Park's camping has what you need. Click here to view a map of all campgrounds in Mt. Diablo State Park.
Horseback Riding
Mt. Diablo is known for its horseback riding trails and accessible staging areas for equestrian use. Equestrians can find the Mitchell Canyon staging area on the north side of the mountain and the Macedo Ranch area on the west side of the park, and most trailheads are suitable for unloading horses as well. Horses are welcome on a majority of the trails, except for The Mary Bowerman Trail and the Summit Trail above the lower summit parking lot. While water troughs can be found throughout Mt. Diablo State Park, they are not always full, so make sure to carry enough water for your animal (and yourself!)
Location, Hours & Admission
Location
Mt. Diablo State Park is conveniently located just a short drive from the hotels, restaurants and shops of downtown Pleasant Hill, with several main access points for vehicular and foot traffic:
North Gate Road Entrance
1300 North Gate Road
Walnut Creek, CA 94598
South Gate Road Entrance
2675 Mt. Diablo Scenic Boulevard
Blackhawk, CA 94506
Macedo Ranch Staging Area
(no vehicle access to the summit)
3756 Green Valley Road
Alamo, CA 94507
Mitchell Canyon Staging Area
(no vehicle access to the summit)
96 Mitchell Canyon Road
Clayton, CA 94517
Hours
Mt. Diablo State Park gates open at 8 a.m. and close at sunset. To avoid being locked in, it is strongly advised that visitors be in their vehicles and heading towards an exit by sunset.
The Summit Visitor Center is open from 9:30 a.m. - 4:30 p.m. seven days a week. Face coverings are currently required while inside.
The Mitchell Canyon Visitor Center is accessible for outdoor operations only on weekends and select holidays from 8 a.m. - 4 p.m. The interior of the Mitchell Canyon Visitor Center remains closed at this time.
Park Admission Fees
Vehicle entrance fees vary per entrance or staging area:
- North Gate Road & South Gate Road Entrances: $10 — payable via cash or check, or by credit or debit when the kiosks are staffed
- Macedo Ranch & Mitchell Canyon Staging Areas (no vehicle access to the summit): $6 — payable via cash or check only
For the latest park updates and for more assistance planning your visit, consult the California Department of Parks & Recreation's official site.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can you drive up Mount Diablo?
Yes! Once you access the park via either the North Gate or South Gate road entrances ($10 vehicle entrance fee at each entrance), you may then proceed up the winding roads of Mount Diablo until you eventually reach the summit.
Are dogs allowed in Mt. Diablo State Park?
How big is Mt. Diablo State Park?
Mt. Diablo State Park features 20,000 acres of exploration-worthy terrain, hiking and biking trails, rocky landmarks and a diverse ecosystem of plant and animal life.