Discover Unbeatable Snow Conditions and Essential Visitor Tips for Mount Diablo!

Mount Diablo is a dominant topographic feature in northern California. Many visitors to Mount Diablo head straight for the Summit to enjoy the famous view.

As mountains go, Mount Diablo isn't particularly tall - only 3,849 feet. However, it is surrounded by low, rolling hills and broad, flat valleys, so the view from the Summit is remarkable. When conditions are best, you can see almost 200 miles. 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 Lassen Peak 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.

Weather Conditions

Here's a look at the current and upcoming weather conditions for Mount Diablo:

Today: Sunny, with a high near 47. North wind around 7 mph.
Tonight: Mostly clear, with a steady temperature around 43. Northeast wind 5 to 7 mph.
Monday: Sunny, with a high near 48. Northeast wind 7 to 9 mph.
Monday Night: Mostly clear, with a low around 38. East northeast wind around 6 mph.
Tuesday: Sunny, with a high near 50. East northeast wind around 9 mph.
Tuesday Night: Mostly clear, with a low around 40.
Wednesday: Partly sunny, with a high near 50.
Wednesday Night: A chance of rain. Mostly cloudy, with a low around 43.
New Year's Day: Rain likely, mainly after 10am. Mostly cloudy, with a high near 50.
Thursday Night: Rain likely. Mostly cloudy, with a low around 45.
Friday: A chance of rain. Partly sunny, with a high near 50.
Friday Night: A chance of rain. Mostly cloudy, with a low around 45.
Saturday: A chance of rain. Partly sunny, with a high near 50.

Additional weather information:

Day: Abundant sunshine. High near 55F. Sunset: 4:56 pm
Night: Clear skies. Low 39F.
Day: Sunny skies. High 56F. Sunset: 4:57 pm
Night: A few clouds overnight. Low 37F.
Day: Partly cloudy skies. High around 50F. Sunset: 4:58 pm
Night: Partly cloudy skies during the evening will give way to cloudy skies overnight. Low around 40F.
Day: Mostly cloudy early with showers developing later in the day. High near 50F. Winds ENE at 5 to 10 mph. Sunset: 4:58 pm
Night: Showers early becoming a steady light rain late. Low 43F. Winds NE at 5 to 10 mph.

Park Access and Important Information

There are four entrances to Mount Diablo State Park: Mitchell Canyon Road, North Gate Road, Green Valley Road (Macedo Ranch), and South Gate Road. Please check under Brochures/Campground Map for more details. It was established in 1851 as the initial point of the Mount Diablo Base Line and Meridian for land surveys spanning two-thirds of California and all of Nevada.

Here's a summary of important points to keep in mind during your visit:

Help us keep animals wild by viewing them from a safe distance.
Be prepared for equestrians, pedestrians, joggers, wildlife, rocks, tree limbs, etc. in the roadway.
Wearing headphones that cover both ears is illegal.
Stay within designated trails.
Check the weather, bring water and know where to find water.
Know your level.
Bring your own first aid kit and cell phone.
Wear a helmet and protective clothing.
Make sure to leave enough distance between horses.

Note that all plants and wildlife within the park are protected.

Summit Visitor Center

The Visitor Center is located in the historic stone building atop Mount Diablo's highest peak. The tower was constructed during the late 1930's of fossiliferous sandstone blocks quarried in the park.

Summit Visitor Center - Open Daily 10:00AM - 4:00PM

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. A diorama, complete with sound, offers an overview of the park's ecosystems, and its cultural history. A model of the mountain acquaints visitors with important park locations. Splendid artwork and photographs enhance the visitor's experience.

Accessible parking and ground level entry are provided and a generally accessible restroom is available inside the Visitor Center for use by persons with mobility disabilities. Additional non-compliant restrooms are located outside of the Visitor Center. The elevator at the Summit Visitor Center is out of service until further notice.

Observation Deck

From this vantage point 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 Mount Diablo's importance as a survey point.

Explore Rock City

Located off of South Gate Road approximately one mile north of South Gate Kiosk. Features include the Wind Caves, Elephant Rock, Sentinel Rock, Artist Point and Fossil Ridge. Native American grinding rocks are located near Grotto.

Park Programs

Park staff and volunteers offer public programs about the history and natural history of Mount Diablo.

Read also: Summit County Ski Report

Use of Model Aircraft / Drone / Unmanned Aircraft Systems (UAS)

Despite the fact that there has been a recent and dramatic growth in the popularity of model aircraft / drone and Unmanned Aircraft Systems (UAS) within the Bay Area, 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.

Mt Diablo State Park: Summit Views, Rock City & Wildflowers

Feedback

Do you have feedback for Mount Diablo State Park? Questions? Suggestions? Report a non-emergency (tree down, broken park feature, etc.)? Tell us about your experience?

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