Park Events

Space is limited, so be sure to RSVP!

Join our naturalists for a short talk about the tarantulas. We will then go exploring for plant & animal life as well as arachnids. The walk is about 2 miles with a little elevation gain. Slow to moderate pace with nature stops along the way. Dress in layered clothing, wear sturdy shoes, and bring liquids. Recommended for ages 6 years and up.

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 the program. Meets in front of Mitchell Canyon Visitor Center (96 Mitchell Canyon Rd. Clayton). Presented by California State Parks.

Reservation Required. Saturday, September 6, 5:00 p.m. - 7:15 p.m.;  Sunday, September 7 5:00 p.m. - 7:15 p.m.;  Saturday, September 13, 5:00 p.m. - 7:15 p.m.;  Sunday, September 14, 5:00 p.m. - 7:15 p.m.; Sunday, September 21, 4:45 p.m. - 7:00 p.m.: Sunday, September 28, 4:30 p.m. - 6:45 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). Presented by California State Parks.

Fire, Snakes, and Spiders - Finding their Good Side
Saturday, September 6
10:00 a.m. - 2:00 p.m.

Is fear your first reaction to fire, snakes, and spiders? It is perfectly natural to fear or at least have a healthy respect for flames and fangs. But do these things we fear have a "good" side? Drop by our Biodiversity Day table to learn more about fire, snakes, and spiders and the parts they play in a healthy ecosystem. Environmental Resources staff will be on hand to share ways we are working to protect the park’s rich biodiversity.

Park entry fee: $10 per vehicle. There is no fee for the program. Meets: in front of Summit Visitor Center at the top of Summit Road. Vehicle entrances at North Gate Road and South Gate Road. Presented by California State Parks.

Mount Diablo Bioblitz
Saturday, September 6 - 14
8:00 a.m. - sunset 

Let's get together at Mount Diablo to celebrate California Biodiversity Day! Do you have a smartphone or camera? Are you curious about the plants and animals that live in the park? If so, you have all you need to join our annual end-of-summer bioblitz.

To participate install the iNaturalist app on your phone (or you can use a camera and upload to iNaturalist on your home computer afterwards). During the week of Sept. 6-14 choose the day(s) and area of the park you want to visit, and upload photos of what you discover during your visit to iNaturalist. Your observations will automatically be added to the Biodiversity Week project for the park giving us a snapshot in time of what is living on the mountain. Deer, squirrels, birds, butterflies, dragonflies, lizards, snakes, spiders, trees, lichen, flowers, and more are here...what will you see?

Wonder Hike
Wednesday, September 10
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.