Mount Diablo is the perfect place for those of you in the Bay Area who want a quick mountain escape, but who aren’t up for the three-four hours it takes to get to the Sierra Nevada’s. At 3000 feet elevation, the views from Juniper Campground are stunning. Of course, this is also a great campground for those from out of the area, looking for an incredible way to see the Bay Area!
Campground Information: Juniper Campground has 36 sites, which may be reserved in advance. Most of the sites are shade-covered, which campers will appreciate during the hot summer months. Some of the sites have outstanding views of the bay, while others are tucked away and more secluded. Nice perk? Hot showers, at no extra fee.
Reservations: To secure a spot, go to the Mount Diablo State Park website, and click on the “Online Reservations” box…. Mount Diablo State Park. Prices are currently $30.00/night (plus an $8.00 reservation fee).
Things To Do:
- Explore Rock City: In my opinion, the highlight of Mount Diablo is hiking around and climbing on these sandstone rock formations and caves. I’ve written about Rock City before.. click on links below if interested:
* Rock City: Mount Diablo State Park
* Silent Saturday: Trail Through Time, Rock City, Mount Diablo
- Drive (or hike!) to the Summit: At 3,849 feet, the views from here are among the best in the Bay Area. From the summit, on a clear day, you can see as far west as the Farallon Islands in the Pacific Ocean, as far north as Lassen Peak in the Cascades, and as far East as Yosemite in the Sierra Nevada Mountains. The Visitor Center is open from 10:00am-4pm daily.
Other Campgrounds on Mount Diablo: Lower on the mountain, you’ll find Live Oak Campground (22 sites) and Junction Campground (6 sites).
For more information: Visit the Mount Diablo State Park website… Mount Diablo SP.
Photos of and from Juniper Campground from out visit last week…
Photos taken June 21st, 2013
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hike.wander.wonder 
During this drought year the State Parks system has turned off all the water faucets and showers. You need to bring in your own water.
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What a place to sit and watch the sunset! Wonderful!
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We grabbed our camp chairs for the view, too. It was gorgeous!
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Wow.. this is a gorgeous view!
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The views from all over Mount Diablo are outstanding. 🙂
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It’s a great spot, and I’m thinking it’s gonna be pretty hot up there this weekend!
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Yes, I’m sure very hot! We’ve been at the coast for the past couple days, where it’s wonderfully cool and foggy.
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Lucky you! It’s been hot in Marin County!! Cooler than some other spots though!
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