Overview
Mount Diablo State Park is located in the San Francisco East Bay Area in Contra Costa County. The oak and grassland leading to the 3400-foot summit park offers numerous picnic areas, several campgrounds, and an interpretive area at the summit that includes a visitor center and a vista point. Park is off Highway 680 near Danville. Exit at Diablo Road, then 3 miles east to Mount Diablo Scenic Blvd., which winds up to the park and eventually to the summit. Phone 925-837-2525.
Picnic Area
Summit Picnic Area. A small picnic area with an accessible table is across the road from the summit lower lot. An adjacent paved parking space designated accessible is usable but narrow and may require some assistance with the slope. An accessible restroom is in the visitor center as described below.
Rocky Point. A picnic site here is usable. A picnic table under a large tree is on dirt, but not far off paved lot. Table has proper knee height at ends and about 13” deep knee and toe space. Restroom. Modified vault (no flush) toilet may permit front transfers, though space is a bit short. Parking is unmarked but paved. Path of travel from lot to restroom is asphalt and pretty level.
Other. Many small picnic areas are tucked along both sides of the park road to the summit. Most are quite inaccessible due to a combination of terrain problems, ancient vault restrooms, and inaccessible historic picnic tables. Some areas with large level parking lots (ask park staff) might be worth the drive just for the view.
Exhibits/Programs
Visitor Center. Open daily between 10am and 4pm, the visitor center is located at the summit of Mt. Diablo. 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. Beginning in early October, 2012, portions of the Visitor Center, including the observation deck will be closed in order to make repairs to the building for weatherization and upgrades to accessibility. Please call the park to inquire about the current status at 925-837-2525..
Mitchell Canyon Interpretive Center. A small interpretive center and a park administrative office are located at 96 Mitchell Canyon Road in Clayton, near the north gateway to Mount Diablo. The interpretive center is located in a trailer staffed by the volunteer association. A ramped entry is usable, and exhibit and sales areas are tight but staff is there to help. Restrooms. Parking. A designated accessible space is near the office but the surface of the space and the path to the trailer are covered in loose gravel.
