Mount Diablo State Park

Picnic Area

From the South Gate Entrance of the park, many small picnic areas are tucked along both sides of the park road toward the summit. Most are historic, CCC-built picnic areas which present a combination of terrain challenges, outdated vault restrooms, and picnic tables that lack space for wheelchairs. While some visitors may be able to navigate these barriers, the following picnic areas include accessible amenities:

Uplands Picnic Area: Includes two picnic tables, one BBQ grill, a drinking fountain, and one parking space.

Upper Rock City Picnic Area: Includes three picnic tables, one BBQ grill, a drinking fountain, and one parking space.

Elephant Rock Picnic Area: Includes two picnic tables, two BBQ grills, and one parking space.

Summit Picnic Area: Located at the Lower Summit Lot, this picnic area includes nearly a dozen picnic tables (some under a ramada), flushing restrooms, BBQ grills, drinking fountain, several parking spaces, and an overlook that provides sweeping views of the Livermore Valley.

Trails

The Mary Bowerman Trail is an ‘out-and-back’ accessible trail that is 0.20 miles each way at the summit area of Mount Diablo. The accessible portion ends at the Ransome Point overlook, offering fantastic views of the surrounding landscape. Educational stops along the trail provide information about the diverse flora, fauna, geology and weather. The surface is concrete and wood. The trail is generally flat at less than 5% slopes with one section at 6% for 22 feet. Accessible parking is located at the trailhead. Drinking water and restrooms are available at the lower summit parking lot.

Trail Name Running Slope Cross Slope Trail Width Trail Surface

Mary Bowerman Trail 2% Average 2% Average 4 FT Average Concrete & Wood

6% Maximum 2% Maximum 4 FT Minimum

Exhibits/Programs

Visitor Center: Open daily between 10am and 4pm, the visitor center is located at the summit of Mt. Diablo. Exhibits within the visitor center are accessible. A limited use/limited application elevator within the visitor center provides visitors, with mobility disabilities, access to the upper floors, including the observation deck on the top floor. For visitor safety the observation deck is not accessible via the elevator when sustained wind speeds at the summit exceed 25-35 mph. Accessible parking is available at the summit parking lot; accessible restrooms are available inside the visitor center.

Mitchell Canyon Interpretive Center: A small interpretive center and a park administrative office are located at 96 Mitchell Canyon Road in Clayton, near the north gateway to Mount Diablo. The interpretive center is located in a trailer that is staffed on weekends by volunteers. A ramped entry is usable, and exhibit and sales areas are tight but staff is there to help. A designated accessible parking space is near the office but the surface of the space and the path to the trailer are covered in loose gravel.

Mount Diablo SP has 67 bike turnouts along South Gate, North Gate, and Summit Roads. These are to be used by cyclists to allow vehicles to pass safely.

• Cyclists - use the turnouts.
• Motorists and cyclists - only pass when safe to do so and be patient. Allow the cyclists to utilize the bike turnouts and then pass.
• Observe posted speed limits.
• Stay in your lane on blind curves and do not cut corners.
• Do not pass on double-yellow lines and pass only when you have a clear view of oncoming traffic and it is safe to do so.
• Be prepared for equestrians, pedestrians, joggers, wildlife, rocks, tree limbs, etc. in the roadway. Share the Road!
• Wearing headphones that cover both ears is illegal. Wear only one headphone if you have to.
• Stop at all stop signs.

Hikers:

• Use the “buddy system” – hike with a friend or family member.
• Drink and carry plenty of water (a minimum of 1 quart every 2 hours).
• Wear sturdy, comfortable, closed-toed shoes to help prevent injury.
• Stay within designated trails. Do not walk off-trail or enter closed areas.

Equestrian Riders:

• Check the weather, bring water and know where to find water. Bring snacks for you and your horse.
• Know your level. Trails can be beginner, intermediate and advanced.
• Groom and condition your horse before leaving the barn.
• Bring your own first aid kit and cell phone. Attach it to your body, not your horse or saddle.
• Ride with a buddy.
• Wear a helmet and protective clothing. Don’t forget sunscreen.
• Carry a compass and a trail map.
• Although the rule is that cyclists and hikers yield to horses, be prepared for that not to happen.
• If your horse kicks, tie something red in its tail.
• Make sure to leave enough distance between horses. You should be able to see the hooves of the horse in front of you.

School Groups/Educational Tours

Please contact Park Interpreter Sharon Peterson via email (Sharon.Peterson@parks.ca.gov) for information regarding School Group Programs and/or Education Tours. Permits are required for groups, and due to the fact that these groups often arrive in oversized vehicles, information must be provided to drivers in advance of their arrival that will help make the roads safer for all visitors at the park.

Important Rules

Trails

Stay within designated trails and on trails designated for your method of travel. Do not travel off-trail or enter closed areas.

Collecting

All plants, wildlife, geologic elements, and cultural resources within the park are protected. Collecting or destroying anything in the park, including rocks, pinecones, and mushrooms, is prohibited.

Bicycles

Bicycles and Class 1 E-bikes are allowed on dirt/gravel road-width trails (fire roads), and they are permitted on certain single track trails. See Bikes on Trails.

Use of Drones

Despite the dramatic growth in the popularity of model aircraft/drone and Unmanned Aircraft Systems (UAS), it has been determined that the use of these devices has numerous negative impacts to the special resources, park operations and the unique visitor experiences afforded to visitors at Mount Diablo State Park. Therefore, the use of model aircraft /drone and Unmanned Aircraft Systems (UAS) at Mount Diablo State Park is prohibited. See Posted Orders.

Fire precautions

Weather conditions may restrict smoking, prohibit fires or even close the park during periods of extreme fire danger. Fires are only allowed in the park's barbecues or in your portable ca,mp stove. Collection of firewood is prohibited in the park. See Fire Safety

Dogs

Dogs are NOT permitted on trails, fire roads, or in park buildings. Dogs are allowed only in developed areas of the park. They must be kept on a leash during the day and in an enclosed vehicle or tent at night.