San Francisco Bay Area: Mount Diablo State Park (2025)

[rdprdp01]

In April of each year, the Mount Diablo State Park blossoms in a sea of green in all directions. The only place on the planet where I believe a more lush view can be found is Ireland.

The Summit Museum sits atop an ancient mountain that provides what I consider to be the most spectacular views in the East Bay.

A detailed history of Mount Diablo and the Protected Park which now surrounds has been published to YouTube:



I suspect I am the only old nerd on this Forum whereas the rest of you are the coolest motorcycle riders in the world,  who would invest the 25 minutes to watch it in its entirety. 

As it exists today, here is a quick snapshot:

• Mount Diablo is 3,800 ft high.
  
• It is nestled in a Protected Park and will be preserved forever.
  
• There are five entry ways into the Park which will ultimately reach the Visitor Center on the Mountain Summit. The North Gate is the most motorcycle friendly.
  
• Mount Diablo is a peaceful placed, shared by hikers, cyclists, motorcyclists, campers, equestrians, environmentalists, students, and the surviving wildlife.
  
• I have ridden my bicycle and motorcycle several times to the summit. Each time I returned slightly different and always in a better state of mind.
  

Here are a few pictures I took in 2025 when I visited last:







As it relates to motorcycling, the North Gate ascent is one of the greatest twisty rides which can be found in North America. Although far less known than the Tail of the Dragon in North Carolina, the turns and views are similar. Alhtough I suspect it is local pride gone too far, some local motorcyclists claim that there are 365 turns from the base of the mountain to the summit, one for each day of the year.



The road is a two lane road which requires as much skill to go slow up a mountain as it does to carve up a canyon at speed. Here are a few pictures I took along the way:









Following the Spring Rain in April, I will ride Mount Diablo again. If you are the East Bay, you are welcomed to join me. I will publish a date on the calendar in March. For now, please consider the possibilities. Ride safe and find your special place. I have found mine. David

[the Ferret]

Looks like a nice place for a ride and visit

[Cormanus]

Golly that bike's clean.

[JRD]

I have been to Mt. Diablo many tomes, but I haven’t ridden it. I will definitely have to make that happen this spring. Thanks for the recommendation!