By Karen Bakar, of My Next Big Adventure
Some of the most impressive vistas in Northern California are experienced from atop Mount Diablo at Mount Diablo State Park, located in Contra Costa County. On a clear day, the views from its 3,849-foot summit – the third highest in the San Francisco Bay Area – encompass up to 80,000 square miles including the San Francisco skyline and Farallon Islands to the west; Mount Hamilton to the southeast; and even the Sierra Nevada and Cascades.
Sacred to the Miwok Indians who once lived here, Mount Diablo state park became part of the California State Park system in 1921 and has long attracted hikers, cyclists, equestrians, and nature lovers. Each year, about 700,000 visitors enjoy its magnificent landmarks and activities.
A trip to Mount Diablo’s summit is a must. Whether you reach the top by car, foot, or bike, be sure to spend time at the Summit Visitor Center. Constructed in the late 1930s of sandstone from the park, it boasts engaging exhibits of photos, art, and videos that chronicle the mountain’s history and explain its ecosystem that sustains 400 species of plants and an abundance of wildlife.
Hiking and biking trails are plentiful in the park. The ultimate Mount Diablo experience is to climb from base to summit from the Mitchell Canyon Staging Area in Clayton. The 13-mile round-trip journey will make for a full but satisfying day. For a shorter and more scenic route try the Mountain Loop Trail, which starts and ends at the Juniper Campground. This connection of trails circumvents the summit along varied terrain and features stunning vistas on every side of the mountain.
For cyclists, summiting Mount Diablo is the ultimate conquest, and on most weekends, the paved road to the summit will have as many bikes as cars. Mountain bikes are allowed on paved roads, maintained fire roads, and select trails.
One of the park’s most popular attractions, especially for families with children, is Rock City. Meander the surrounding trails, explore the sandstone caves, scramble over boulders; and enjoy lunch at one of the surrounding picnic tables.
When to Go: Mount Diablo is open year-round, and each season has a distinct appeal. Wildflowers are at their peak in the spring, and views from the summit are particularly impressive after a winter storm. Hiking during the wet season rewards with waterfalls, and while rain and cold won’t threaten a good time in the summer, it can be brutally hot, so water, sunscreen, and a hat are must-haves.
Insider Tip: During the warmer months, watch for rattlesnakes and scorpions. If creepy crawlers are no bother, check out the Tarantula Trek that takes place in early fall when the hairy arachnids are mating.