Mount Diablo State Park Visitor Information and Map
Extensive haze from 2009′s pervasive California fires hung heavy on the horizon so I wasn’t expecting much of a view, but the 
prospect of a hike around the top of a mountain with close-up views of some non-Ohio foliage was incentive enough to send me north on I-680 toward Mt. Diablo. On a clearer day, one can purportedly see more of the Earth’s surface from its peak than from any other point in the world, save Mt. Kilimanjaro. While this fact may be more theoretical than practically applicable in the foggy San Francisco Bay area, Mt. Diablo’s dramatic rise from the relatively flat Bay and Central Valleys hinted at intriguing possibilities. 
I squinted in the direction of Yosemite National Park from the observation deck, just in case…
Standing at deck’s edge atop the 3849 foot summit, I had the eerie sensation of peeking over a ship’s hull into a vast pool of nothingness. The stone building that houses the Summit Museum and observation areas loomed solemnly over a hazy uncertain landscape. The view of even this “non-view” was striking.
The twisting road to Mount Diablo’s peak is a popular work-out for cyclists. On my drive back down, I watched a few speed down and around hair-pin turns and decided that the straight muscle-burning ascent might actually be the easier part of biking Mt Diablo.
I hiked the Rock City and Fossil Ridge Trails in silence except for the occasional snap of my camera shutter, enjoying the luxury of setting my own pace and pausing to explore my own curiosities…
There’s nothing like a bright blue sky to accentuate a good mood.
Updated from January 7, 2009.
Mount Diablo State Park Visitor Information and Map
Mount Diablo State Park (Walnut Creek, California) Biking and hiking with a view… 96 Mitchell Canyon Road Clayton, California 94517 925-837-2525 Park Website Park Hours: 8:00AM to Sunset Summit Visitor Center Hours: 10AM – 4PM (Daily) Main Entrance Fee: $7.00/car View Larger Map
That’s what I call a blue sky!
Gorgeous shots! The cyclist reminds me of my youth (ahem) when I used to race down hair raising slopes.
Very nice photos, I really love your photoshots. Keep up the good work!
Certainly worth climbing to get that view into the distance even if interrupted by the smoke. And yes, that sky is spectacular.
Jean-Luc: Everything looks better next to a blue sky like that!
Cate: Thanks! I remember my last downward race on a bike all too well. Wisdom permits me to apply the brakes as needed now.
Chatterberries: Thanks for the visit. Your bridal site concept is interesting; good luck!
Suzanne: It’s almost always worth the climb, isn’t it? Curiosity is great for keeping us in good shape!
Is there a story about the mountain name? It would be interesting to know
Ayia Napa Cyprus: There are a couple of versions regarding the naming of Mt Diablo. One involves Spaniards chasing escaped Californians into the “devilish” thickets of the mountain. Who knows? There have been a few attempts to rename the mountain in recent years. So far, however, the landmark peak remains Mt Diablo.
Anyway this name sounds great and mysteriously
Fires are close to our heart in Australia too. Indeed, California (and other states) and the east coast of Australia share equipment (fire seasons being opposite times of the year) to increase the amount of water-dumping helicopters etc and also share training of fire specialists to ensure that the best of what both group’s learn can be put into practice in both countries.
I’m glad to learn about the equipment/specialist sharing, Mark. Massive fires such as the one your country experienced a couple of years ago have worldwide impact and merit every available resource.