After a week of heavy rain, I was itching to get outdoors. As such, I began to consider all the local options. Mount Diablo, in my own backyard relatively speaking, I have found has a very small window of opportunity. Too hot in the summer, too muddy in the winter. With September to May being the ideal time, in between storms, I gathered a group and we opted to check it out.
The goal was to travel from Rock City, just inside the park entrance, to the summit. Rock City is very unique terrain, for the park, with amazing rock formations scattered about the area. With many opportunities to climb and explore, it is remarkably easy to lose track of time here. With this location easily accessible to tourists, many with children, starting early is ideal to beat the crowds. We did just that, hitting the trail just after 9:00am, and had the area mostly to ourselves. After taking time for some amazing photo ops, we meandered through the area to Sentinel Rock. On a very tiny scale, it bares some resemblance to Half Dome. With cables to guide you to the top even. With the recent storms having recently blown out the not uncommon haze, we were blessed with brilliantly blue skies, and stark white clouds forming heavenly images. With the top to ourselves, we enjoyed the 360 views of the summit, hillside, and City below.
Around this area, although not far off the main trail, the specified trail becomes a bit confusing. With folks, over time, having gone in various directions, it can take a bit of bushwhacking to make it back to the main trail. Having done that, we made it back to the Summit Trail just as the masses began to arrive. Turning left on the Summit trail, the only option is up. From here we began our climb, with this trail taking is all the way to the summit. While the elevation gain is constant, I would classify it as moderate, with a few moments where things get steep. The trail is a healthy mix of fire road, single track dirt trail, and pavement, meandering from open hillsides, through some wooded areas, with sections through low scrub. Given the previous weeks weather, we found very little mud. A remarkable day all around.
The day was peaceful and grounding. With the daunting heaviness of the COVID pandemic all around, my soul is recharged by the stillness. Birds singing their delightful songs lull me into a settled sense of calm. The sun is warm, bringing about a sense of security, and with each step I develop a strong sense of control. This is indeed my happy place. We kept a very relaxed pace, stopping frequently for chatter, water, and rest. The final push to the summit is the steepest, albeit short. As we emerge from the low shrubs, only to find a parking lot, I smile as our newest member inevitably comments… “we could have driven here?” I chuckle, because I hear it every time I bring someone new. Yes, you can drive to the summit, but in doing so you miss out on the grandeur of the mountain.
At the summit, with the breeze picking up, lunch was eaten as the clouds began their late afternoon dance. Completing our photo ops from the overlook, we prepared to turn back. Making it a lollipop hike, we opted to return on the Juniper trail down to the Juniper Campground. Heading to the back of the campground, we rejoined the Juniper trail and followed it as it wound around the side of the mountain with gorgeous views of the city below. The clear skies gave us a visual all the way out to San Pablo Bay. Amazing! Ultimately we connected with the Summit Trail and made our way back the way we came.
Absolutely gorgeous day for this hike. At a very relaxed pace, we completed it in 6 hours and 22 minutes. While maybe not a beginners hike, there are many shorter options from the area.
Distance: 8.77 miles ~ Elevation Gain: 2151