Mount Diablo Summit Trail, CA

Mount Diablo is without a doubt the most recognizable mountain in the San Francisco bay, separating the valleys and ranges of the Coast Ranges from the vast Central Valley and the delta of the San Joaquin River. The high point of Contra Costa County rises to 3,849 feet with an unobstructed view stretching as far as the Sierra Nevadas!


The summit trail is a no-frills approach to reach the top in just about the most direct route possible. This description begins at the Rock City trailhead near the Live Oak campground area and goes straight up the Western side of the mountain to the peak (one way, bottom to top). If a true wilderness experience is what you're after, this is not the hike for you. The trail zig-zags along South Gate Road winding it's way up, so there is constant contact with civilization (mainly cyclists) on the road to the summit. Occasionally the trail passes through wooded areas to provide relief from the sun, though most of those 3.75 miles are completely exposed, especially on the burned out hillside. Hiking the summit trail during summer months might become rather unpleasant if the temperatures are high.

Don't forget why you've chosen to hike this trail; the view from the summit is spectacular!




Check out the Official Route and Triplog.

Leave No Trace and +Add a Triplog after your hike to support this local community.

2014-04-06 Booneman