Mount Diablo State Park - Walnut Creek, CA
Mount Diablo State Park: A Scenic Dog-Friendly Destination in Walnut Creek, California
Mount Diablo State Park is a stunning outdoor getaway located in Walnut Creek, CA, known for its breathtaking summit views, diverse wildlife, and abundant pet-friendly hiking trails. With a summit just shy of 4,000 feet, visitors and their canine companions can enjoy 360-degree panoramic vistas stretching from the East Bay to the Sierra Nevada on clear days.
This park is not a traditional off-leash dog park, but it is very dog-friendly—offering scenic walking paths, spacious grassy fields, and a range of trails suitable for dogs and owners of all fitness levels. Rock City, a unique area within the park, features impressive rock formations, easy climbs, and open areas to explore. There are several picnic spots and shaded playgrounds for families, making it perfect for both two- and four-legged visitors. Waste stations with poop bags are available, and plentiful shade helps keep you and your pup comfortable. Dog agility classes (including beginner to advanced) are also offered by Diablo Peak Dog Sports within the park, making it a popular spot for local dog sport enthusiasts.
Frequently Asked Questions
- Are dogs allowed off-leash at this park? Dogs are allowed off-leash in designated areas such as areas used by Diablo Peak Dog Sports, but most trails require dogs to be leashed.
- Is there a fenced area for dogs? There are some gravel dog areas that are fenced for off-leash play.
- Are there water fountains or bowls for dogs? There is no clear information about dog-specific water fountains, so please bring your own water for your dog.
- Is there shade or shelter available? Yes, there are shaded areas and picnic spots throughout the park.
- Are poop bags or waste stations provided? Yes, waste bags are available and there are multiple waste stations around the park.
- Are there benches or seating areas for owners? Yes, there are plenty of seating areas and benches.
- Is there a separate area for small and large dogs? There are two gravel dog areas, but they are not explicitly labeled for small or large dogs.
- Are restrooms available for owners? Yes, restrooms are available near the summit parking lot and in other park locations.
- Is there a playground or activities for kids nearby? Yes, several playgrounds and family-friendly areas are available in and near the park.
- Are there walking or hiking trails connected to the park? Yes, the park boasts a wide variety of pet-friendly trails with spectacular views and terrain for every skill level.
- Is there agility equipment for dogs to play on? Yes, agility equipment and classes are provided by Diablo Peak Dog Sports within the park.
- Is the park muddy after it rains? The gravel dog areas help minimize mud, making it a good choice during winter months.
- Are picnics or BBQs allowed? Yes, picnic areas are available and make for a great outing with your dog.
Reviews
Mount Diablo is always a good time. I’ve been in the cold and the heat! I personally love rock city! It’s fun and exciting. There are also several different trails/ routes to take. I love the drive up and ugh!! It’s great! Saw turkeys, deer and little lizards through the day.
Mount Diablo is always a good time. I’ve been in the cold and the heat! I personally love rock city! It’s fun and exciting. There are also several different trails/ routes to take. I love the drive up and ugh!! It’s great! Saw turkeys, deer and little lizards through the day.
Mount Diablo is always a good time. I’ve been in the cold and the heat! I personally love rock city! It’s fun and exciting. There are also several different trails/ routes to take. I love the drive up and ugh!! It’s great! Saw turkeys, deer and little lizards through the day.
Mount Diablo State Park is beautiful. The drive up the mountain is a bit twisty and has some bumps in the road, so be prepared for that but it’s nothing detrimental.
The summit is just shy of 4,000 feet above sea level, and there are stunning views 360° around you on a clear day. Bathrooms are down the stairs near the parking lot if needed, and if you feel adventurous there are some trails to follow there, too. They get steep, so keep that in mind.
Watch your step, as we did encounter a nope rope on the trail (pictured), and there was some animal poop as well. I really enjoyed the trip.
Mount Diablo State Park is beautiful. The drive up the mountain is a bit twisty and has some bumps in the road, so be prepared for that but it’s nothing detrimental.
The summit is just shy of 4,000 feet above sea level, and there are stunning views 360° around you on a clear day. Bathrooms are down the stairs near the parking lot if needed, and if you feel adventurous there are some trails to follow there, too. They get steep, so keep that in mind.
Watch your step, as we did encounter a nope rope on the trail (pictured), and there was some animal poop as well. I really enjoyed the trip.
Mount Diablo State Park is beautiful. The drive up the mountain is a bit twisty and has some bumps in the road, so be prepared for that but it’s nothing detrimental.
The summit is just shy of 4,000 feet above sea level, and there are stunning views 360° around you on a clear day. Bathrooms are down the stairs near the parking lot if needed, and if you feel adventurous there are some trails to follow there, too. They get steep, so keep that in mind.
Watch your step, as we did encounter a nope rope on the trail (pictured), and there was some animal poop as well. I really enjoyed the trip.
The park is absolutely beautiful and has nice amenities. The views from the summit are amazing! The visitor center at the summit was fun to check out and it had nice souvenirs and snacks with good prices. We also went to Rock City Park (aka Rock Hill) which is inside the Mt Diablo State Park. It was fun to climb the rocks and made for cute pictures. Overall I recommend checking out the park.
The park is absolutely beautiful and has nice amenities. The views from the summit are amazing! The visitor center at the summit was fun to check out and it had nice souvenirs and snacks with good prices. We also went to Rock City Park (aka Rock Hill) which is inside the Mt Diablo State Park. It was fun to climb the rocks and made for cute pictures. Overall I recommend checking out the park.
The park is absolutely beautiful and has nice amenities. The views from the summit are amazing! The visitor center at the summit was fun to check out and it had nice souvenirs and snacks with good prices. We also went to Rock City Park (aka Rock Hill) which is inside the Mt Diablo State Park. It was fun to climb the rocks and made for cute pictures. Overall I recommend checking out the park.
To truly appreciate everything Mount Diablo has to offer, I highly recommend reading up on its significance to native peoples, bringing binoculars to check out wildlife, and learning about the diversity of oak trees and small plants that grow only on the mountain. We saw sprays of poppies, lupine, vetch, and wild onions in mid-April. It’s more than just an hour long drive to the top. Each entrance can be explored with different things to appreciate!