Come Spring, and the Wildflower blossoms are impossible to miss. A special coverage on KTVU about the blossoms in Mitchell Canyon ( Near Walnut Creek) was just the nudge we needed to head off to Mt Diablo State Park for the weekend! Mt Diablo is one of those day trips that we, in the south bay, need no planning for. It's just about 30 miles away - mostly on the fast and wide, 5-lane 680 freeway.
Mt Diablo:
There are 2 entrance gates - the South Gate ( Exit Diablo) and the North Gate ( Exit Ygnacio). These exits are about 15 miles apart, with the North Gate closer to Walnut Creek. If you want to drive up to the summit, stop by at picnic spots on the slopes overlooking Livermore Valley or hike through wind caves to Sentinel Rock - I would definitely recommend taking the South gate. If you want long hikes both in the valley and leading all the way upto the Summit, then the North Gate works best. But for a first visit, definitely the former.
The Drive in Spring:
This year was special. 2/3 more rain than we got last year and according to the locals, the greenest the valley has been in a long long time. The hills were lush and all along the road we could see bright yellow, orange and lilac blossoms. It was hard to imagine they were wild. The weather - Just perfect. Warm enough to get the roof down and cool enough to not have you sweat.
Picnic Spots in Mt.Diablo:
Rocky point: Shortly after Livermore valley overlook. ( they've got a group of tables , the spot is not on the bluff side , and is safe for kids) - This is where we halted today for lunch, between tall grass and orange poppies.
Round Top Toyon: Higher up and closer to the summit. Cooler spot with a better tree cover. Otherwise similar to Rocky Point. ( Sorry, no pics!)
Overlook point: Right after Rocky Point. One of my favorites. Has just 1 table, is secluded, on the bluff side and has great views! I've attached a picture of the spot we took in winter ( notice how the views were blocked off by clouds then!)
The Summit:
The Summit has a vista point and a visitors center. ( with unusually grumpy rangers inside). On a clear day, you should be able to see all the way upto Half Dome (Yosemite) and even the Golden Gate Bridge on the other side. I've included pics from our trips in Summer and in Winter!
Winter Views:
Summer Views of the Golden Gate and of Livermore Valley ( with Devils pulpit in the forefront):
Mary Bowerman Trail:
Access on north side of road beside small picnic site where Summit Road
It's also a lot of fun to climb Devils Pulpit ( a great red- colored chert monolith) - It's quite jagged, and is loads of fun!
Rock City:
On the way back down, we stopped at rock city. It's interesting, with its unusually large wind carved sandstone rocks.
We walked through these to the prettiest of all - Sentinel Rock. the hike up there is short - just 1/4 of a mile, but is completely over rocks. There are these steps that have been carved out of the rocks to help us climb back up, i suppose.
There are cable fences to help you get on top of the rock and it keeps up its promise of a great view. It's a must-visit spot on Mt Diablo.
Out to the North Gate:
It was only 5:45 on the evening and we had light till about 8:30. It seemed like a good idea to drive up the 17 miles to the North gate and hike a couple of miles through Mitchell Canyon in search of the famous wild flowers.
Mitchell Canyon Nature Trail:
The total length is about 4 miles. This walk follows the Mitchell Canyon-Deer Flat-Back Creek Loop for the first two miles where the trail begins climbing by switchback up to Deer Flat. At the point where the climb begins, turn and retrace your walk. It follows It was a very pleasant and pretty walk - A riot of colors all the way through Am going to let the pictures speak for themselves.
Blues and Lilacs:
Yellow and Orange:
Red and Pink:
Overall, a very Bright, Sunny and Happy Spring-Day-Out. Always feels great to be outdoors!
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