Mount Diablo Summit Visitor Center — Attraction in Clayton

A true gem, highest elevation you'll find right in the middle of the East bay. It's a fairly easy drive, I wouldn't do it in an older car with the air conditioning left on. But it's a nice thing to do on an afternoon, they have recently upgraded the park with a lot of picnic grounds and barbecues. There are many Scenic Lookouts, on a clear day you can see the Golden Gate Bridge and Sutro tower. As well as the Sierra Foothills. There's also the spotlight searchlight, that dates from before World War II that is lit on December 7th of every year to commemorate Pearl harbor. There's a museum at the very top it will tell you the history of the mountain and it's diverse biology, there are Rangers at several weigh stations along the road that can give you directions and information. One hint of advice if you're recycling, make sure you wear bright colors and carry plenty of drinking water. Also there are ticks, and they do carry Lyme disease. Make sure to talk your pants into your socks, and as soon as you get home take all clothes and laundry them in hot water. To make sure there are no ticks check your feet legs ankles all the way up to your waist. Anywhere that a ticket can attach is any piece of clothing on your body, if you take your pets with you make sure you check them thoroughly. There are also large tarantulas, that are indigenous to that area there are more scared of you than you are of them. If you just give them space they will leave you alone. It's quite fascinating to watch 20 or 30 of them cross the road at one time, I would suggest bring a good camera phone or camera with you. The views are truly stunning as a photographer, I find that a linear polarizer is quite handy to cut...

My friend and I meet monthly, and we go somewhere in the larger Bay Area. She took drove us to the Mount Diablo Summit because I had never been there.

We didn't have much time, and that is something to keep in mind. It takes more time than you might think to drive to the Summit. My friend had a doctor's appointment that she had to keep. It made it so we couldn't stay long.

There is a parking lot at the top with panoramic views. The day we went, the air didn’t look so clean, but the views were still amazing! We had a packed lunch that we gobbled up as we took in the distant vistas.

On the way up to the summit, there were signs for different trails. If you like to hike, just make sure you have enough time, and bring some hiking shoes. I know if we go again, we will allow more time.

We had to use the restroom, so we went into a large rock covered building--which is a museum. We asked the manager where the restrooms were, and he told us to cross the parking lot and go down the stairs.

So, when you go up there, if you want to find the restrooms, they are across from the building.

The stairway down to the restrooms is kind of steep. There is a handrail to hold on to. When you exit the ladies' restroom, be prepared to see an AMAZING view!!!

Both the museum and the restrooms are NOT...

My preferred method of travel to Mt. Diablo Summit is hiking, but when I'm introducing others to this iconic Bay Area peak I usually drive. At 3849 feet, Diablo is our highest mountain, so having a road to the top provides access to everyone! Summit Museum will introduce visitors to the significance of Mt. Diablo to the people who have lived on and near her over time. Flora and fauna of the mountain are represented and explained, and kids love the wildlife exhibits. On the upper level of the museum, the actual summit is exposed so you can get a peak photo. A raised relief map of Diablo with light-up way points highlights notable terrain. Let it inspire you to take a hike! On a clear day, from the summit observation deck, you'll be able to see the Sierra Nevada! Just below the summit is the Mary Bowerman Trail. At only 0.8 miles it circumnavigates the summit, giving you 360° views of the entire Bay Area. Along this path is an observation deck with telescopes to bring the view closer. Challenge your kids to find their house! Bay Area residents and visitors to the Bay should make Mt. Diablo Summit Museum a must-see on their...