July
Mount Diablo Initial Point 175th Anniversary
Saturday, July 18
10:00 a.m. - 4:00 p.m.
As America celebrates its 250th anniversary, California State Parks, in partnership with the Mount Diablo Surveyors Historical Society and the Mount Diablo Interpretive Association, invites the public to celebrate the 175th anniversary of the Mount Diablo Initial Point.
Drop by and explore antique and modern surveying equipment, visit informational booths, and enjoy hands-on activities highlighting land surveying activities and the settlement and development of this region of the American Far West.
• North Gate Entrance from Walnut Creek – 1300 North Gate Road Walnut Creek, 94598
• South Gate Entrance from Danville – 2675 Mt. Diablo Scenic Boulevard Blackhawk, 94506
• The drive from either park entrance to the summit takes approximately 45 minutes. Visitors are encouraged to drive cautiously on the steep, winding roads and share the roadway safely with bicyclists.
• The lower summit parking lot is the main parking area and also offers restrooms and picnic tables.
The celebration is free; however, the park’s standard $10 day-use vehicle fee applies.
Moth Night
Saturday, April 25
8:30 p.m. - 10:30 p.m.
Celebrate Moth Week! Bring your friends and family to discover the amazing moths of Mount Diablo! We'll have lights set up near the Mitchell Canyon Visitor Center to see what moths (and other nocturnal flyers) stop by. Enjoy observing, or you can help document what we see by uploading photos to iNaturalist. Closed-toe shoes and a flashlight are recommended.
No reservation required. Drop in between 8:30 p.m and 10:30 p.m. 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).
Poorwill Hike
Sunday, July 31
7:00 p.m. - 10:30 p.m.
We'll start the evening at Mitchell Canyon listening for bird calls. As twilight approaches we plan to be in the upper portion of White Canyon looking for Bats flying low overhead. Next comes the sounds of the Common Poorwill and Owls. The returning walk in the dark may turn up some interesting wildlife! Bring flashlight, binoculars, snacks, liquids, and hiking poles if you use them. Please dress for the weather and wear sturdy shoes. Hike is about 3 + miles round trip, with some elevation gain.
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.