Mount Diablo State Park Turns 100

CONTRA COSTA COUNTY, CA — This year Mount Diablo marks its 100th birthday, and California State Parks and its partners invite the public to help celebrate not only at a Mount Diablo State Park centennial event Oct. 16 but throughout the remainder of 2021.

Situated in the East San Francisco Bay Area to the east of Walnut Creek and Concord, the mountain's unique natural features have long inspired a special place in the hearts of the community and led to it becoming a park in 1921.

"Just over two weeks after the governor signed legislation creating state parkland on Mount Diablo there was a party to celebrate! According to the 'Hikers' column by Harold French in the San Francisco Call, at the dedication on June 19, 1921, 'Unique outdoor exercises were held …first in a natural amphitheater at the base, and later at the summit.' In addition to performances by the Martinez band and Choral Society, and speeches by local and state dignitaries, 'Moving pictures and airplane stunts heightened the interest of the varied program conducted on the top of this 3850-foot mountain.'

"Now it is time for another party! Though airplane stunts may not be part of the program this time around, Mount Diablo State Park is planning a centennial event later this year. Mark your calendar for October 16 to save the date and watch for more details in the coming months."

Though 100 years is a long history as a park, the importance of Mount Diablo was recognized long before that. For thousands of years, Native Americans were caretakers of this land. Many groups considered and treated the mountain as a sacred place and continue to do so today.

People have been drawn for generations to Mount Diablo for its spectacular views from the summit which extend over 100 miles in all directions on a clear day.

Since becoming a park in 1921, Mount Diablo has been protected as a natural area, and over the past 100 years, the park has grown from only a few hundred acres to over 20,000 acres.

Visitors are attracted to its complex geology that has created amazing rock formations such as the " wind caves" at Rock City, and to the mountain’s variety of habitats which are home to over 600 species of plants and an amazing array of wildlife. Creatures such as butterflies, bats and birds of prey fly through the air, while tarantulas, bobcats, lizards, snakes and deer are among the many animals that roam the land.

"Today it is a destination for those who would like to view wildlife and wildflowers, experience beautiful views, hike, camp, picnic, run, cycle, climb, ride horses, or gaze at the stars," said Sharon Peterson, California State Parks interpreter.

Follow Mount Diablo on Facebook for the latest information about the Oct. 16 centennial celebration, hikes and more activities. The centennial events are made possible by a collaboration between State Parks, the Mount Diablo Interpretive Association (a nonprofit organization that supports the park), Save Mount Diablo, and Cal State East Bay.