Mount Diablo State Park

Mount Diablo, elevation 3,849 feet, is located in California's East Bay. To get to Mount Diablo State Park, where you can enjoy gorgeous bay area views from the summit, you will want to take Highway 680 to Walnut Creek. Once there, you will take the Ygnacio Valley Road Exit and turn onto Ygnacio Valley Road. From here, continue to Oak Grove Road where you will turn right. From Oak Grove, you will turn Right onto North Gate Road, which will take you into the park. Parking at Mount Diablo State Park will cost $7.00 per car at the main entrance. To camp, it will run $20.00 during the peak season and $15.00 from Mid-September through Mid-May.

Once you have arrived at "Devil's Mountain," you will find that there is no shortage of hiking trails. Depending upon your hiking experience, you may want to take one of the easier trails like the Mitchell Canyon Nature Trail or one of the more strenuous trails such as the Wall Point - Pine Canyon Loop. In the former hike, you will see wildflowers, red rock, and some gorgeous butterflies. In the Wall Point - Pine Canyon hike, prepare yourself to see meadows, oak trees, and birds. For more information on hikes in Mount Diablo, you may wish to view the website, Hiking Trails of Mount Diablo.

Hiking is not the only activity Mount Diablo State Park offers to visitors looking for outdoor activities. Many travel to Mount Diablo's summit to ride bicycles. Bikes are allowed on paved roads, fire trails, and certain, authorized trails. Bikers are not permitted to ride on the single-pass hiking trails nor are they allowed to ride off trail. Others elect to ride horses through the park. Mount Diablo is equestrian-friendly, but those wanting to ride horses should still bring supplies for themselves and their horses - especially water.

Camping is another great outdoor activity. With the temperate conditions of the East Bay, camping on the mountain is a wonderful option. Mount Diablo State Park features three family campgrounds: Juniper Campground, Live Oak Campground, and Junction Campground. The first two are available for reservations and the Junction Campground is available only on a first come first serve basis. Alcohol is not permitted in the park and the park opens at 8am and closes at sunset. Before camping at Mount Diablo, you will want to check the weather conditions. It is possible that camping will be prohibited due to a high fire hazard.

Mount Diablo provides a wonderful destination to satisfy the adventurer that lives inside you. If you love to take photographs or paint, you will be in good company. Ansel Adams is one photographer who was inspired by this site. Painters inspired by this mountain's majestic beauty include William Kieth, Jeanne Kapp, Marty Stanley, and Stan Levine. If you have been looking for that perfect outdoor family activity, then a trip to Mount Diablo State Park may be the perfect solution.