Need info about Mount Diablo State Park, CA?

Question

Hil All,
Has anyone visited Mount Diablo State Park, CA..? If so, can you provide me the activities, attractions etc. details..? We are planning to visit the park on Dec 31. Is there any snow probability in winter..? Do we have to carry snow chains..? What is the best accommodation option available nearby to stay overnight..? Any details are welcome. If you have taken any park photos, can you pls provide the link..?
regards,
Raja.

Answer 1

I live very close to Mt. Diablo and have visited many times. There are 2 family campgrounds and a group campground, a large observation deck on the summit, plenty of hiking trails, and opportunities for bird watching and viewing other animals (mainly racoons and coyotes). In "Rock City" there are several sandstone caves that may be explored via a short hike. At least one has some original Indian cave paintings. Sadly most of the others have been damaged over time. About once a month the Mt. Diablo astronomy club also sets up telescopes and has star gazing nights for the general public.

The mountain usually gets snow at least once a year. More than an inch or two is rare though. Chains are not necessary. The road up the mountain is very narrow and steep though, so it may be closed if the road is too icy.

Here is a link to the Park website with more info:

http://www.parks.ca.gov/?page_id=517

As far as accomodations, if you don't plan to camp in the park, the nearest hotel accomodations would be in either Walnut Creek or Danville. Both Walnut Creek and Danville can be pretty pricy. If you don't mind driving a little further (10-15 minutes), you may find cheaper hotels in Pleasant Hill or Concord.

Answer 2

This 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.

Location-Directions
The park may be accessed by vehicle from either the Danville area (Mount Diablo Scenic Boulevard) or the Walnut Creek area (North Gate Road). Highway 680 to Danville; take Diablo Road exit, then 3 miles east to Mount Diablo Scenic Blvd.

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.




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Facilities - Activities
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 elevation, 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 Califomia's great central valley, the crest of the Sierra Nevada seems to float in space.

The Fire Interpretive Trail
Just below the summit, this trail offers spectacular vistas that can be enjoyed along the way. The first half of the gentle 0.7-mile loop trail is accessible to visitors in wheelchairs. Pick up a copy of the trail Nature Guide at the trailhead.
Rock City
You'll find unusually large sandstone formations and small caves here.
Boy Scout Rocks and Sentinel Rock
These are popular places near Rock City 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.
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 near Juniper Campground, 3,200 feet above sea level, you can see the Golden Gate.
Summit Museum - Open Wed. through Sun. 10:00am - 4:00pm
The summit museum is located in the historic stone building atop Mt. Diablo's highest peak. The tower was constructed during the late 1930's of fossiliferous sandstone blocks quarried in the park. The Visitor Center highlights the cultural and natural history of Mt. Diablo State Park. Visit the Mitchell Canyon Information Center on the north side of the mountain. Exhibits
Impressive exhibits chronicle the history of the mountain and capture its majesty. A rock wall with instructional video examines the geological forces which created the mountain. Panels describe the native American history of the region. A diorama, complete with native sounds, offers an overview of the park's ecosystems. A model of the mountain acquaints visitors with important park locations. Splendid photographs enhance the visitor's experience. In addition to the exhibits, the summit museum features a gift shop and audio-visual room.
Art Gallery
Rotating displays of the fine interpretive art by local artists and photographers complement the permanent exhibits.
Observation Deck
Telescopes are mounted on the deck to help visitors enjoy one of the finest views in the world. On the walk up the circular stairway to the observation deck, visitors are treated to a look at ancient marine fossils embedded in the sandstone walls of the summit building. In the rotunda they are reminded of Mt. Diablo's importance as a survey point. Above the rotunda is a beacon, historically important to aviators and now lighted once a year on December 7 in memory of those who lost their lives at Pearl Harbor.
Mitchell Canyon Interpretive Center
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. The gift shop is operated by the Mount Diablo Interpretive Association, which works as a support group to the park in providing visitors with information so they can better enjoy the park and its natural wonders.

The Center has displays about various aspects of Mt. Diablo State 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.