Share the Road
Mount Diablo has many roadways that are narrow with blind curves.  Cyclists and vehicles need to use caution and patience when on the mountain.  Here are a few tips to keep your visit safe and enjoyable-
     •  Observe posted speed limits.
     •  Stay in your lane on blind curves.
     •  Do not pass unless you have a clear view of oncoming traffic and it is safe to do so.
     •  Wearing headphones that cover both ears is illegal.
For more information on how to share the road with bicyclists please visit- http://dmv.ca.gov/portal/dmv/detail/coi/bicycle/bicycle

Water Shortage!
California is facing one of the most severe droughts on record.  The entire state is in some stage of drought with 71% of the state experience "extreme" to "exceptional" drought conditions.  The majority of the water used by park visitors at Mount Diablo State Park is produced through a series of springs that is fed to various water storage tanks.  Once at the water storage tank, the water is treated, tested and then it is ready for public consumption. However, with the lack of rain the past four years the springs on the mountain have been reduced to a trickle and the water storage tanks are close to empty.

In order to meet the basic water needs of the park until the rainy season, the park has been forced to take a number of drastic measures in order to conserve water.
     •  The Showers at Juniper and Live Oak Campgrounds have been turned off.
     •  Drinking (potable) water is currently available in the campgrounds at the restroom facilities.
     •  Many of the water faucets located in the picnic areas and at Rock City have been turned off.

ALL VISITORS ARE ENCOURAGED TO BRING WATER FOR CONSUMPTION DURING THEIR VISIT.

If you are planning a long hike, run, walk, bicycle ride or horseback ride please bring plenty of water to ensure a safe and enjoyable visit.  It is not unusual for heat related illnesses (heat cramps, heat exhaustion and heat stroke) to occur at Mount Diablo State Park during the late spring, summer and early fall seasons.  Many of these illnesses can be treated without hospitalization.  However, some heat related illnesses have proven fatal to park visitors in the past.

Dogs at Mount Diablo State 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.

Facilities - Activities
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. To the east beyond California's great central valley, the crest of the Sierra Nevada seems to float in space.  All in all, you can see over 40,000 square miles and parts of 35 of California's 58 counties from the Summit of Mount Diablo.

Summit Visitor Center - Open Daily 10AM - 4PM
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. The Visitor Center highlights the cultural and natural history of the park.

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. A gift shop and audio-visual room are also located in the building.

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.

Observation Deck
Telescopes are mounted on the deck to help 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. Above the rotunda is a beacon, historically important to aviators and now lighted once a year on December 7 in memory of those who lost their lives at Pearl Harbor.

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. A great place to picnic.

Make a trip to the Mitchell Canyon Staging Area!
Located on the north side of the mountain, Mitchell Canyon is accessed by taking Ygnacio Valley Road to Clayton Road to Mitchell Canyon Road.  A number of trails take off from Mitchell Canyon that range from easy to difficult.  A small visitor center is located here, open on weekends and holidays.  The Mitchell Canyon area is noted for its wildflower displays during spring. 

Diablo Valley Overlook
From here near Juniper Campground, 2,900 feet above sea level, you can see the Golden Gate Bridge.

Park Safety!
Fires are a continuing threat at Mount Diablo State Park.  Weather conditions may restrict smoking, 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 barbecues or in your portable camp stove.  Collection of firewood is prohibited in the park.