Park Events

 

 brown and orange butterfly on yellow flower

June

North Side Story Hike
Saturday, June 07
9:00 a.m. - 12:00 p.m.

Join Ken Lavin as he explores Back Canyon and Donner Canyon. The early morning hike will take you on the Coulter Pine Trail to beautiful Back Canyon, and from there to Donner Canyon. Along the way, you will enjoy riparian and oak woodland habitats and hear a bit of Mount Diablo history at the Donner cabin site. You will also view the results of recent prescribed burning in the park.Bring liquids and snacks. Dress in layers and wear good hiking shoes. Bring poles if you normally use them. Restrooms and water are available near the trailhead.

Reservations Required. For reservations and information contact: mtdiablohiker@gmail.com . Park entry fee required: $6 per vehicle/$5 for seniors exact change only or scan QR code at gate to pay digitally. There is no fee for program. Meets in front of Mitchell Canyon Visitor Center (96 Mitchell Canyon Rd, Clayton). Presented by California State Parks and Greenbelt Alliance.

Wonder Hike
Wednesday, June 11
8:30 a.m. - 12:30 p.m.

Have you ever wondered about the many species of organisms that inhabit our world beyond the sidewalks and streets? This is the hike for you! Wonder and wander now with us while we explore the magnificent Mitchell Canyon in Mount Diablo State Park. Each month we will search for all the fantastic and beautiful natural displays that change with the seasons.  You won't be disappointed if you have an inquisitive mind. We'll hike for about 4 miles with a slight elevation gain and enjoy nature's beautiful display along the way. Bring water, snacks, and binoculars if you have them.

Reservation Required. For reservations and information contact onesuperhiker@aol.com. Park entry fee: $6 per vehicle/$5 for seniors - exact change required. You may also pay digitally by scanning the QR code on the sign near the entrance gate. There is no fee for the program. Meets: in front of Mitchell Canyon Visitor Center (96 Mitchell Canyon Road, Clayton). Presented by California State Parks.

Tackle Plant Invaders
Saturday, June 14
9:00 a.m. - 12:00 p.m.

Celebrate California State Parks week by joining us for this hands-on opportunity to help care for Mount Diablo and its amazing variety of life. We’ll meet two aggressive plant invaders, Yellow-Star Thistle and Stinkwort, learn about how they threaten native plant communities and wildlife, and then you'll work alongside other volunteers to pull these invasive weedy species. Let's see how many bags we can fill! Bring: water, snacks, and sturdy gloves if you have them. Wear Closed-toe shoes. Hat, long-sleeved shirt, and long pants recommended.

Reservation Required on the California State Parks Week website. Park entry fee: $6 per vehicle/$5 for seniors - exact change required. You may also pay digitally by scanning the QR code on the sign near the entrance gate. There is no fee for the program. Meets: in front of Mitchell Canyon Visitor Center (96 Mitchell Canyon Road, Clayton). Presented by California State Parks.

Summer Solstice Saunter
Saturday, June 21
7:00 p.m. - 9:00 p.m.

It’s summertime and the “living is easy”—the perfect time for a twilight hike on Mount Diablo. Our adventure begins with a walk to Coulter Pond, home to western toads and chorus frogs. After our amphibian serenade, we’ll hike up Mitchell Canyon and check out the park’s floral and faunal evening shift. As we walk, we'll view soaproot (amole) in bloom. Soaproot flowers during the summer, but the blossoms don't open until late afternoon, so this is a rare chance to see them on display. What critter pollinates this unusual flower? Join us to see for yourself (Hint: It wears a yellow hat, yellow cape, and yellow belt!). Bring liquids and snacks. Dress in layers and wear good hiking shoes. Bring poles if you normally use them. Restrooms and water are available near the trailhead.

Reservations required. For reservations and information contact mtdiablohiker@gmail.com . Park entry fee: $6 per vehicle/$5 for seniors – exact change only or scan QR code at gate to pay digitally. There is no fee for program. Meets in front of Mitchell Canyon Visitor Center (96 Mitchell Canyon Rd, Clayton). Presented by California State Parks.