Finally! It’s spring 2023! No rains forecasted in the near future. Having been cooped up for a while due to the constant rain, as soon as the opportunity arose for a dry day, away my family went – up to the San Francisco Bay Area’s Mount Diablo for a day trip. We entered through the North Gate.
Tickets are $10.00 for each vehicle. However, if you visit State Parks often (like we do), it would be better to get the appropriate Annual Pass (we got the California Explorer Annual Pass).
The drive was a feast to the eyes as we made our way to the summit.
It is worth taking the time to stop at all the vista points along the way.
You can admire the wildflowers beginning their blooms while listening to the sounds of the wild turkeys (we didn’t see them that day but certainly heard them!).
The hills, green after the recent rains, were alive with the sounds of the birds.
There are many overlook areas which also have picnic tables. The views are great at these spots, especially the one at the Livermore Valley Overlook.
When we reached the Summit Visitor Center, we were lucky to get a parking spot. It was nice to see everyone enjoying a lovely, sunny spring day.
Walking around the circular Observation Deck, we were treated to panoramic views (though the elevation is at the highest – 3,849 feet)! As survey points go, Mt. Diablo has one of the best and most advantageous views around: North – to Lassen Peak, East – to Sierra Nevada, South – to Mount Loma Prieta, West – to the Farallon Islands. On a clear day, you can see for miles in all directions. Breathtaking!
Driving back towards the South Gate, we stopped at Rock City. The geological features provide interest and the grooves make the rocks fun to climb for kids and adults alike.
Besides the above-mentioned attractions, we also enjoyed looking at the varied colors and textures on the branches.
As civilization slowly but steadily encroaches into undeveloped spaces, we need to band together to be stewards of these vast untouched lands and save it for the future. Open spaces, like Mount Diablo, with their ecological and cultural value, provide refuge for those who seek a quiet retreat.
Thanks to property owners who have preserved their land, the organizations, the volunteers, the donors and all those who have worked hard to conserve these open spaces, we are able to explore and enjoy the wild beauty and recreation responsibly – whether it be to hike, bike, camp, or just drive through.
