I highly recommend bringing gaiagps with the map for the area downloaded in advance. Mount diablo, the jewel of the region, sits within mount diablo state park, one of the ecological gems of the san francisco bay area. Inspire a love of reading with prime book box for kids. Diablo state park is awesomely hikerfriendlysurprising perhaps, considering one can drive to the top of mt. In fact, the early artwork of mount diablo helped promote the tourism and settlement of the pacific west. Hikers guide to mount diablo state park highlights 50 trails in the. 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. Mount diablo appears from many angles to be a double pyramid and has many subsidiary peaks, the. From the summit of mount olympia, take the north peak trail to the south for about threequarters of a mile. Although its not particularly high, diablo is surrounded by low, rolling hills and flat valleys which allow clearday views into 35 california counties from the summit. Mount diablo base to summit mile loop hike alice hikes. Diablo is a popular spot on the weekends for bikers, hikers, campers, equestrians.
Along this section of the hike, the trail dips into a wooded canyon and follows the path of a small creek. Hiking to the peak of mount diablo is best done in the fall through spring, as summers can be hot at the park with smog in the valley obstructing viewsthought there are many miles of trails. Cycling up mt diablo is one of the bay areas most epic rides. It is south of clayton and northeast of danville it is an isolated upthrust peak of 3,849 feet 1,173 meters, visible from most of the san francisco bay area. The reason mount diablo is so sacred to the california indian people is that it was the creation point for the miwok people or genesis for some california indian people. Available at quality bookstores, outdoor stores, and online. Mt diablo is situated near san francisco and san jose. There are many trails and many different options for hiking to the top, but all of them will require over 3000 ft of climbing.
I dont always agree with the authors choices for best or descriptions, but its nice that they break the trails out into categories. Mount diablo, published by redwood hikes, is a fantastic guide to mount diablo and surrounding parklands. The challenge provided the perfect excuse to get acquainted with this beautiful. The flowering plants and ferns of mount diablo, california. Just about every california indian community who viewed mount diablo would, at one time or another, make a pilgrimage to the summit area for ceremonies. California is so full of amazing places to hike and this book is a good push in the right direction. Choose from about 50 sites at juniper campground and live oak campground, both of which are perfect if youre after solid mt. Because of how steep and rough the trail is, its much more difficult than other climbs of this length and elevation change, such as murietta falls.
Best trails in mount diablo state park california alltrails. Choose from four mount diablo state park trailheads and hikes. Joseph has been hiking and photographing mount diablo in northern californias contra costa county since 1985. The entire hike is over 3,000 feet of ascent and descent, so be prepared before heading out. The high point of contra costa county rises to 3,849 feet with an unobstructed view stretching as far as the sierra nevadas. It is the best place in the area for hiking, sunrise and sunset watching. Mount diablo sp has nearly 200 miles of official roads and trails and many miles of unofficial trails created over the years by park visitors. Mount diablo state park clayton 2020 all you need to. The mountains summit boasts spectacular panoramic views. Automobili lamborghini diablo d7r magnetic air vent mount phone holder. New mount diablo hiking guide unlocks secrets of hikes the. The variety of wildflowers there was amazing all the way during our hike to mount diablo summit.
And he was even known to leave the office and actually hike outdoors. Everything you need to know about mount diablo state park. Begin at the madrone canyon trail, hiking southeast towards the devils slide trail. Looking for a great trail in mount diablo state park, california. Of course you need a private vehicle to reach there, but worth visiting except in winters. The pool will be available for your private use unless there is an event in the main house that requires use of the pool. While down there, i was able to slip away and knock out the first three trails of my new book project, hiking northern california. The foothills 1,060 acres are valued for their striking geologic formations, their sweeping panoramas of the san francisco bay region and the rural quality of the adjacent rolling grasslands. All of these spots are captured in the new book mount diablo. The extraordinary life and landscapes of a california treasure.
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. Prior to european entry, the creation narrative varied among surrounding local groups. Its a road, but its so steep and rugged that you might need to use your hands. This is the mount diablos most memorable hike the complete climb from base to summit. Diablo state park camping and not travelling with a. Choose from four mount diablo state park trailheads and hikes hike one. The mountains beauty has inspired thousands of works of art. The book written by stephen joseph and linda rimac colberg. This beautiful fullcolor book features comprehensive descriptions and stunning. Mount diablo state park is open from 8am to sunset. There are many ways to reach the summit of mt diablo, including by car. The trail is moderately difficult and is used by hikers, walking groups, trail runners, and for nature trips. This hike begins at the mitchell canyon staging area on the north side of mount diablo state park, climbs up the rugged, challenging ridgeline to twin peaks, on to eagle peak, and then prospectors gap before the final climb to the summit. Mount diablo interpretive association offers many featured hikes and events that explore mount diablo.
He was drawn to the complex mountains unparalleled natural beauty and intriguing geological faces. Alltrails has 80 great hiking trails, running trails, mountain biking trails and. Until this past january, i had never done much hiking in arizona. The extraordinary life and landscapes of a california treasure, with photography by stephen joseph and text by.
Please note that while the pool is offered to you, the patio of the main home and that outdoor entertainment area is offlimits. Like chapters in a book, the rocks of mount diablo. Its also recommended that you bring a map of the area just in case. Consult most any mount diablo hiking guide, and the grand loop will likely be a featured trek. Mt diablo summit and eagle peak mount diablo state park. Donner canyon and falls this partial loop 5 mile hike is tougher than it sounds. Its just widely accepted by nature enthusiasts that this particular route showcases many of the. Its said youll often find the best viewing from the 3,849foot summit of mount diablo on the day after a winter storm. Mount diablo four peaks loop hiking trail, clayton, california. Hiking in mount diablo state park in the beginning of march was our most beautiful and colorful wildflower hike in central california.
Mount diablo state park, a california state park located. If youre looking for a bay area camping getaway filled with expansive views, climbing, and hiking, head to mount diablo state park. Beginning at an undeveloped trailhead in a residential neighborhood, youll climb, easily at first, along donner creek on broad donner canyon road. Mount diablo is sacred to many california native american peoples. Mount diablo is a mountain of the diablo range, in contra costa county of the eastern san francisco bay area in northern california. A life of leisure awaits you at this charming mount diablo cottage.
Mount diablo is a welldocumented subject for artists, photographers, and writers from around the globe. It was established in 1851 as the initial point of the mount diablo base line and meridian for land surveys spanning twothirds of california and all of nevada. The mount diablo summit and eagle peak hike at mount diablo state park in clayton, california is a strenuous. New mount diablo hiking guide unlocks secrets of hikes. Aside from the viewing points and snaking trailheads, theres more to mount diablo just behind the bush line. Diablo s young writers contest is for 6th, 7th, and 8th grade students who live or attend school in contra costa county. Mount diablo state park mount diablo is a dominant topographic feature in northern california. Hiking mount diablo from mitchell canyon staging area. In one surviving narrative fragment, mount diablo and reeds peak mount tamalpais were surrounded by water. Diablo foothills is an imposing gateway to the beautiful parklands of mt diablo state park and walnut creek open space.
Northern california, 4th ed, covers the best day hiking and backpacking trails in the trinity alps, the marble mountains, the mount shasta area, lassen volcanic national park, the northern sierra nevada, the san francisco bay area, the wine country, and the north coast redwoods new fourth edition on june 1, 2018. Hikerfriendly mount diablo state park john mckinney. Diablo and the most obvious footpowered park users on weekend mornings are colorfully clad. Climbing this mountain is a slow and steady grind at 5%, but fair warning the % grade home stretch footpath about 700 feet long. Due some technical problems i wasnt able to edit the vlog. Hike in mount diablos madrone canyon, madrone canyon. Winter and spring rains create scenic waterfalls in this hike at mount diablo, the east bays signature peak. There are some very steep sections, particularly on the descent. Mount diablo is without a doubt the most recognizable mountain in the san francisco bay, separating the valleys and ranges of the coast ranges from the vast central valley and the delta of the san joaquin river. Save mount diablo is a good source of current events on. Be careful hiking immediately postrain, watch for slippery sections of mud. The web of trails and roads near the summit can be confusing. This hike starts at the rock city area of mount diablo state park. This is a 14 mile hike to the top of mt diablo from mitchell canyon on the northern side of the mountain.
Which of nearly 200 miles of official roads and trails should be maintained, removed, andor enhanced. The peak will offer you views of sunny california, but it might not feel like. None of the mount diablo trips in my 101 hikes in northern california book seemed to go from the base of the mountain to the top. Little rest for the weary on this hikealmost every section is uphill or downhill and the flat sections are few and far between here. Californias state frog, the california redlegged frog, can be spotted hopping around in the watersheds.
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