Biking Mount Diablo
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Mount Diablo State Park is an excellent place to mountain bike. This guide is designed to help off-road cyclists enjoy the park safely without damaging its sensitive environment. Mountain bicyclists share the backcountry with hikers and horseback riders. It's important to be considerate of other recreational users.
The following information is taken from the State Park biking guide dated January 1997, with modifications.
Where Can I Ride?
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Most single-track trails are closed to mountain bikes. Mountain bikes may be ridden on paved roads, maintained fire roads, and authorized trails. The authorized trails currently open to bicycles are Mother's Trail, Summit Trail from Southgate Road to Rock City, North Peak Trail from Devil's Elbow to Prospectors Gap, Oyster Point Trail, Buckeye Trail, and Diablo Ranch Trail.
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Cross-country riding is not permitted.
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Cyclists should see park staff for other rules and regulations concerning trail use. Always wear a helmet and carry water. Hypothermia can occur on cold days while riding down the mountain. Always carry extra clothing. Dress in layers. Gloves and hoods are recommended.
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Follow all posted speed limits. Keep speed on downhill descents to under 15 mph, or slower if conditions warrant. Excessive downhill speed can be disastrous. When riding uphill, please stay single file and as far to the right as possible.
Suggested Rides
Juniper to Devils Elbow on Summit Road [paved], down North Peak Trail to Prospectors Gap, fire roads Prospectors Gap, Meridian Ridge, Deer Flat back to Juniper. About six miles. Strenuous. North Peak Trail descent requires technical skills.
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Rock City to Pine Canyon via Wall Point Fire Road, up Pine Canyon to Barbecue Terrace Group Camp, short distance on Summit Road to Summit Trail, back down to Rock City. About seven miles. Tough climb out of Pine Canyon to Barbecue Terrace.
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Curry Point to Balanced Rock via Knobcone Point Fire Road. About four miles round trip. Moderate climbs.
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Some Applicable Park Regulations
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The park is open to the public from 8:00 am to sunset. Bicycling within the park after sunset is prohibited.
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The possession/consumption of alcoholic beverage is prohibited.
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All features within the park are protected. Do not remove or disturb plants, animals, or geological features.
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Park closures occur during periods of very high and extreme fire danger. The closures apply to bicyclists.
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Helmets are required for juveniles. All riders are encouraged to use helmets. Helmets save lives and prevent serious injuries.
Courtesy
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Always yield to hikers and horseback riders.
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Pass with care. Let others know of your presence. Use a handlebar chime or an audible greeting. When approaching a horseback rider, ask the rider for instructions. It may be necessary to dismount.
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Avoid the backcountry when muddy conditions are prevalent.
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Control your speed.
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Close cattle gates. Do not frighten cows.
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Do not litter. Wrappers, banana peels, and blown tubes don't belong in the backcountry.
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Check the rules that apply to open space areas that border Mount Diablo State Park.
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Respect private property. Consult the Trail Map for accurate boundaries.
Supplies To Bring Along
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Helmet and protective clothing
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Drinking water
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Snack
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Tire pump
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Spare tube, patch kit, tools
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Mount Diablo State Park Trail Map
Where Can I Pick Up a Trail Map?
The Mount Diablo State Park Trail Map, a publication of the Mount Diablo Interpretive Association, can be purchased at park entrance stations (North Gate and South Gate), the Summit Visitor Center, and Mitchell Canyon Visitor Center. It can also be purchased through the Online Store.
Park Information
Address:
Mount Diablo State Park
96 Mitchell Canyon Road
Clayton, California 94517
Phone: 925-837-2525