Danville
Description: Mt. Diablo offers 35 miles of dirt road trails on the flanks of the mountain and running nearly to the summit. All the trails are very low on technical difficulty, but most are high on steepness and total elevation gain, making all of our recommended rides, except the 1000 Footer, climbing challenges. The dirt roads also provide access to the infrequently visited North Summit. A paved road that is extremely popular with road cyclists runs to the main summit also, and must be used for part of the dirt climb to the main summit. Our easiest route is the 1000 Footer, which stays on the low hills at the base of Mt Diablo and takes a loop through Diablo Foothills East Bay Regional Park. The Medium Ride stays on the flanks of Mt Diablo. The Big Ride goes to the summit and roughly parallels the paved road. The paved road provides a less steep option at several points, if needed. A fourth route, which we call The Challenge Ride, goes to both the main summit and the north summit and packs a whopping 6000 feet of climb. Mt Diablo is mostly open chaparral with little shade cover and can be very hot in the summer. Water is available in just a few places, so bring plenty to drink. Restrooms are available at the Macedo Ranch Staging Area, at Rock City, near the Junction Ranger Station, at the Juniper Campground, and at the Summit
In the wet season: Trails are open.
Directions: 1.3 miles east of Diablo Road exit from I-680 in Danville. Then 2 miles north on Green Valley Road A link to the parking location in Google Maps is here.