Mount Diablo

https://www.parks.ca.gov/?page_id=517 https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Mount_Diablo Mount Diablo is a mountain of the Diablo Range, in Contra Costa County of the eastern San Francisco Bay Area in Northern California. It is south of Clayton and northeast of Danville. It is an isolated upthrust peak of 3,849 feet (1,173 m), visible from most of the San Francisco Bay Area. Mount Diablo appears from many angles to be a double pyramid and has many subsidiary peaks, the largest and closest of which is the other half of the double pyramid, North Peak, nearly as high in elevation at 3,557 feet (1,084 m) and about a mile northeast of the main summit.

Our Mission The mission of the California Department of Parks and Recreation is to provide for the health, inspiration and education of the people of California by helping to preserve the state’s extraordinary biological diversity, protecting its most valued natural and cultural resources, and creating opportunities for high-quality outdoor recreation. ARNOLD SCHWARZENEGGER Governor MIKE CHRISMAN Secretary for Resources RUTH COLEMAN Director, California State Parks California State Parks does not discriminate against individuals with disabilities. Prior to arrival, visitors with disabilities who need assistance should contact the park at the phone number below. To receive this publication in an alternate format, write to the Communications Office at the following address. CALIFORNIA STATE PARKS P. O. Box 942896 Sacramento, CA 94296-0001 For information call: 800-777-0369 916-653-6995, outside the U.S. 888-877-5378, TTY 888-877-5379, without TTY www.parks.ca.gov MOUNT DIABLO STATE PARK 96 Mitchell Canyon Road Clayton, CA 94517 (925) 837-2525 www.parks.ca.gov Cover photo by Stephen Joseph Photography, www.stephenjosephphoto.com © 2000 California State Parks (rev. 9/04) A t the eastern fringe of the San Francisco Bay Region, Mount Diablo, elevation 3,849 feet, stands alone on the edge of California’s great Central Valley. At this point, the Coast Range consists only of low hills, none high enough to block the view from the upper slopes of the mountain. As a result, the view is spectacular. The View From the Top — 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, 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 California’s great Central Valley, the crest of the Sierra Nevada seems to float in space. With binoculars, you may even be able to pick out Half Dome in Yosemite National Park. HISTORY Mount Diablo is a sacred mountain to California Indian people. 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. 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. In 1851, the mountaintop was selected as the starting point for a survey of the public domain. Ignoring the excitement of the Gold Rush, Leander Ransom and his men erected a flagpole at the summit of Mount Diablo and began to extend the base and meridian lines that we use to this day in our official land surveys. As a matter of fact, Mount Diablo base and meridian lines are referred to in legal descriptions of real estate throughout two-thirds of California and parts of Nevada and Oregon. Toll roads up the mountain were opened in 1874, and for many years there were two stages every day connecting Walnut Creek and Danville with Mountain House, a 16-room hotel about three miles from the summit. The Stage Road, near Pine Canyon, was one of the original stagecoach line routes. The hotel offered all conveniences and was known for its excellent food. Wedding ceremonies were a frequent occurrence at the hotel, and celebrities from all over Europe and America were among the visitors. In those days, it was widely held that you hadn’t seen the West if you hadn’t watched a sunset, sunrise, or full moon from the upper slopes of the mountain. Business at the hotel declined after the summit observation platform burned in 1891, and shortly thereafter the hotel burned down as well. The toll roads were reopened in 1915, so that the view from the summit was once again available to all. In 1921, a parcel of land on the mountain was designated a state park, and much of the rest of the mountain was declared a game refuge. Standard Oil placed a ten-million-candlepower aerial navigation beacon on the summit in 1928. ABOVE: In 1935 the transbay ferries were still running, the Bay Bridge was nearing completion, and San Francisco itself was rapidly assuming its modern appearance. Then, as now, Mount Diablo rose above it all, serene and aloof, majestically dominating the eastern horizon. BELOW: View of Castle Rock from Shell Ridge. The beacon was so powerful that it could be seen by ships 100 miles at sea. Finally, in 1931, the state acquired more land for Mount Diablo State Park, and the park was formally dedicated and opened to the public. NATURAL HISTORY Much o

Wel Mount Diablo State Park ! come www.parks.ca.gov • www.mdia.org • (925) 837-2525 At the eastern fringe of the San Francisco Bay region, Mount Diablo, elevation 3,849 feet, stands alone on the edge of California’s great Central Valley. At this point, the Coast Range consists only of low hills, none high enough to block the spectacular views from the upper slopes of the mountain. Many visitors to Mount Diablo head straight for the summit to enjoy the famous 24 680 view. 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; south to Mount Loma Prieta in the Santa Cruz Mountains at 3,791 feet; north to Mount Saint Helena in the Coast Range at 4,344 feet; 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 California’s great Central Valley, the crest of the Sierra Nevada seems to float in space. Points of Interest Summit Visitor Center Built in the late 1930s by the Civilian Conservation Corps, this building was constructed of sandstone quarried from Fossil Ridge, Rock City. Remnants of ancient fossils can be found on this building. The Fire Interpretive Trail Just below the summit, this trail showcases the natural recovery process that is underway following a 6,000-acre fire in 1977. Some spectacular vistas can be enjoyed along the way. The first half of this gentle 0.7-mile trail is accessible to visitors in wheelchairs. Rock City You will find unusually large sandstone formations and small caves here. 4 PLEASE REMEMBER • Park hours are 8 a.m. to sunset daily. Gates close at sunset and are locked at night. To avoid being locked in, begin exiting the park before sunset. MITCHELL CANYON RD. • Consumption of alcoholic beverages is prohibited in the park. • 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. Dogs are NOT permitted on trails or fire roads. 680 Macedo Ranch Staging Area This excellent staging area for equestrians, bicyclists and hikers is located on the western side of the park. Mitchell Canyon Staging Area and Visitor Center 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). The visitor center is open on weekends from 8 a.m to 4 p.m. during the summer months, 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. during winter months. Diablo Valley Overlook From here, 2,900 feet above sea level, you can see the Golden Gate Bridge. • Fires are a continuing hazard; weather conditions may restrict smoking or prohibit fires or even close the park during periods of extreme fire danger. See park staff for specific information. Fires are only allowed in the park’s barbeques or in your portable camp stove. Bring your own fuel. Collection of firewood is prohibited in the park. • Mountain bikes may be ridden on paved roads, maintained fire roads and authorized trails. Cyclists should see park staff for other rules and regulations concerning trail use. • Plants and animals—even rattlesnakes—are protected by law. This is their home, and you are the visitor. • To avoid rattlers, watch where you are hiking, and if you see one, give it a wide berth. It is no more anxious for an encounter than you are. Interpretive Programs Park staff conduct guided hikes and other interpretive events. Publications of the park’s cultural and natural history and a detailed topographic hiking map are for sale in the park office, at entrance stations and at the visitor centers. © 2006 California State Parks Poison Oak Poison oak can be identified by its leaves—they grow in groups three Rd. MitchellofCanyon and have gently lobed edges. To Concord Ma Park Business Office Mitchell Canyon Visitor Center rs h Cree kR d. Ticks Ticks are found on Mt. Diablo. Check yourself and your children frequently. North Gate Entrance Station Nor Mount Diablo State Park th G at e Rd . Mt. Diablo Summit 3849’ Juniper Operated by East Bay Regional Park District Diablo Valley Overlook Macedo Ranch Staging Area Boundary Green Valley Rd. Sum R mi t d. Summit Visitor Center Junction Stagecoach Wildcat Livermore Valley Overlook Barbecue Terrace Buckeye Rock City LEGEND Accessible Feature Live Oak Ga t e u th Rd So Campground Exhibits Group Campground Picnic Area Ranger Station Restrooms Di ab lo Rd . Bla Mt. Diablo Scenic Blvd. ck H awk Rd South Gate Entrance Station . Telephone Viewpoint Paved Road Maps not to scale. NOTE: Mt. Diablo State Park has many trails, features, and fire roads that are not shown on this map. For a more complete map of the park, see the “Trail Map of Mt. Diablo State Park” or the Mount Diablo State Park brochure, both of which are available at the park business