Mount Diablo State Park

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Clayton, CA
Mount Diablo State Park

An Island of Wilderness surrounded by a Sea of Suburbia. Mount Diablo State Park is a unit of the California State Park System. It was established in 1921.

The park encompasses over 20,000 acres. The summit of Mount Diablo has an elevation of 3,849 feet -- it is the highest point in Contra Costa County. Recreational opportunities include camping, picnicking, hiking, bicycling, horseback riding, and rock climbing. The park also serves as a natural and cultural preserve. There are two main entrances into the park: North Gate Road (Walnut Creek side) an

d South Gate Road (Danville side). The two roads meet at the Junction Ranger Station. Summit Road continues to the very top. The Summit Building, a Civilian Conservation Corps structure, contains a visitor center, open daily from 10AM to 4PM. The park is open from 8AM to sunset.

08/30/2026

THE BLOOM REPORT for this week contains 7 new additions and 25 subtractions for a total of 79 blooms on the mountain. The wildflower season is winding down, and this list will be published every third week moving forward.

See the list at: https://drive.google.com/file/d/1rH1cPItwB0Ys1x2XwwNPrJXFispY9rUZ/view?usp=sharing

Check out Mount Diablo Interpretive Association's Online Wildflower Guide at https://www.mdia.org/wildflower-guide.

Photo: Brickell Bush by Steve Beatty

08/27/2026

One of our sister State Parks is hiring. If you live in the Delta area, this opportunity might be for you...

08/25/2026

Is that a leaf? This moth’s clever camouflage makes it almost impossible to spot on a tree or bush while it rests during the day. Not so effective when it lands on a white sheet.

This American lappet moth (Phyllodesma americana) is one of the amazing night-flying insects that was attracted by the lights at our Moth Night event last month. Other stars of the night with interesting common names included the ten-lined June beetle, everlasting bud moth, filbertworm moth, western fairy lady beetle, and fishflies.

These little creatures are just a few examples of the variety of fascinating animals and plants found at Mount Diablo State Park. Watch here for opportunities to discover more of them in September when we celebrate Biodiversity Week.

08/09/2026

THE BLOOM REPORT for this week contains 7 new additions and 17 subtractions fora total of 98 blooms on the mountain. The wildflower season is winding down, and this list will be published every third week moving forward.

See the list at: https://drive.google.com/file/d/1rH1cPItwB0Ys1x2XwwNPrJXFispY9rUZ/view?usp=sharing

Check out Mount Diablo Interpretive Association's Online Wildflower Guide at https://www.mdia.org/wildflower-guide.

Photo: Pacific Aster by John Doyen

08/01/2026

☀️ Sunny days are ahead on Mount Diablo. The forecast for the weekend promises plenty of summer heat.

‼️Part of a safe visit to the park during this season is knowing how to avoid a heat emergency. Did you know that even warm days can lead to overheating depending on what you are doing?

☀️Here are some heat safety tips to follow when you visit the park this summer:
• Plan your activities during the cooler parts of the day
• Bring plenty of water
• Pace yourself and rest often
• Wear loose, lightweight, light-colored clothing
• Remember a hat, sunscreen, and sunglasses
• Hike or bike with a buddy
• Let someone know where you are going and when you expect to return
• Know the signs of heat illness, and don't hesitate to call for help if you need it

07/31/2026

THE BLOOM REPORT for this week contains 5 new additions and 24 subtractions for a total of 107 blooms on the mountain. The wildflower season is winding down, and this list will be published every other week moving forward.

See the list at: https://drive.google.com/file/d/1rH1cPItwB0Ys1x2XwwNPrJXFispY9rUZ/view?usp=sharing

Check out Mount Diablo Interpretive Association's Online Wildflower Guide at https://www.mdia.org/wildflower-guide.

Photo: Bull Thistle by Steve Smith

07/23/2026

Our dedicated and humble volunteers, under the supervision of park staff, have been hard at work this month during our Second Saturday and Third Thursday trail days on Mt. Diablo. Hooray for their efforts!

Together, they've made great progress clearing and brushing back the Bald Ridge Trail, by tackling obstacles such as encroaching tree limbs, poison oak, and overgrown vegetation along both sides of the trail.

Every workday contributes to safer, more enjoyable trails for everyone. With more trail days ahead, we're excited to keep the momentum going and continue caring for the mountain we all love!

Would you like to help? To learn more about the variety of volunteer opportunities available, email [email protected] .

07/14/2026

THE BLOOM REPORT for this week contains 6 new additions and 60 subtractions fora total of 126 blooms on the mountain. The wildflower season is winding down, and this list will be published every other week moving forward.

See the list at: https://drive.google.com/file/d/1rH1cPItwB0Ys1x2XwwNPrJXFispY9rUZ/view?usp=sharing

Check out Mount Diablo Interpretive Association's Online Wildflower Guide at https://www.mdia.org/wildflower-guide.

Photo: California Sunflower by Dan Fitzgerald

07/04/2026

Happy 4th of July weekend! 🇺🇸

Spending time outdoors in the park is a great way to enjoy the holiday. We hope to see you here at Mount Diablo.

Here are some things to remember so your visit is full of happy memories:
☀️ Fireworks are not allowed in any California State Park... vegetation is dry, and fire danger is rated high.
💧 Bring plenty of water, and listen to your body. If you start feeling the effects of the heat, stop, cool down, and call for help if you need it.
🚴‍♀️🚗 Follow speed limits and stay in your lane. Wait to pass bikes until they can pull into a bike turnout lane. Always expect a bike or car headed toward you just past the next curve.

07/02/2026

Join us after the sun has set to discover some of the amazing moths that are part of the park's nightshift. We'll have lights set up to see what moths (and other nocturnal flyers) stop by. Photos of what we see will add to the community science data being collected during National Moth Week.

Drop in between 8:30 p.m. and 10:30 p.m. on Saturday, July 25 at the Mitchell Canyon entrance. There will be observation areas near the parking lot so no hiking is required, but the ground is uneven. Closed-toe shoes and a flashlight are recommended. Bring a camera or phone if you would like to help record sightings.

Fee: $6 per vehicle/$5 for seniors - exact change only. Payable at the entrance to the Park by the stop sign. You may also pay digitally by scanning the QR code on the sign near the entrance gate or Visitor Center. No app is required.

Address

Clayton, CA

Telephone

+19258372525

Website

https://www.parks.ca.gov/?page_id=517, https://www.parks.ca.gov/?page_id=31305

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