Some of the most notable attractions in this Bay Area state park are the spectacular panoramic views. Droves of visitors head straight to the summit of Mount Diablo to take in the sights from 3,849 feet; especially breathtaking after winter storms, the vistas showcase California’s unique landscape. On a clear day, visitors can see San Francisco’s Golden Gate Bridge, Loma Prieta in the Santa Cruz Mountains, and Mount Lassen in the Shasta Cascade region—revealing 8,539 square miles of the Golden State.
Mount Diablo is a dominant peak situated along the San Andreas Fault. Most of the mountain’s core is composed of ophiolite, which originates where oceanic plates meet continental plates in the center of the ocean. While it’s hard to imagine now—due to its location between the suburban cities of Walnut Creek, Danville, Clayton, and Alamo—the towering Mount Diablo used to be underwater; most of the mountain consists of oceanic crust, solidified underwater lava, marine fossils, caves, and serpentinite (California’s official state rock). The peak also continually changes and grows, because the Mount Diablo thrust fault lies beneath the natural landmark and is sandwiched between the Greenville and Concord faults. So, there’s always something new to see.
Thanks to its unique composition and the current plate tectonics theory, Mount Diablo is thought to have started out thousands of miles southwest of its current location—but we’re glad it’s now home to some of the best East Bay hikes. Along with the sweeping views, distinct geological features, diverse wildlife, and numerous plant species, Mount Diablo State Park’s many trails provide endless opportunities for outdoor adventure. Hike the park’s 37 moderate trails, including the Wall Point – Pine Canyon Loop, Falls Trail (one of the best East Bay waterfall hikes), and Donner Creek Loop Trail.
Before you leave the park, check out these other popular spots and East Bay hiking trails:
- Rock City: See the impressive rocks and fossils located about a mile south of the South Gate kiosk.
- Juniper Campground: Stay the night or stop by for a look at the expansive views.
- Summit Visitor Center: Stand on the very top of Mount Diablo from within the visitors center and get to know the local landscape a bit better.
If you’ve visited Mount Diablo State Park, share your favorite trails and vista points in the comments below.