Mt. Diablo: drive up after the next rain, and you'll have Northern California at your feet

Sunset, Feb, 2008 by James McCann

ON CLEAR DAYS after a storm, the summit of the East Bay's lofty landmark is ideal for taking advantage of its best attribute. Because Mt. Diablo rises abruptly from relatively flat land, visitors to Mt. Diablo State Park's eponymous 3,849-foot peak experience unmatched panoramas encompassing Sacramento, the Central Valley, the Sierra Nevada, Lassen Peak, Mt. Hamilton, and the Farallon Islands. With a good set of binoculars, you can even see Half Dome. It's a veritable tour of Northern California, all from one spot.

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EAT Genova Delicatessen Pack a picnic at the one-stop favorite. For reasons undetermined, its turkey on sourdough tastes better than most. INFO: $; 1105 S. California Blvd., Walnut Creek; 925/939-3838.

Amber Bistro Hearty food perfect for a winter-day wrap-up. Start with fire-roasted salmon in coconut sauce and end with vanilla-bean pudding in coffee-caramel sauce. INFO: $$$; closed Sun; 500 Hartz Ave., Danville; 925/552-5238.

La Ultima Authentic New Mexican. Try the chicken enchiladas topped with fried eggs and a spicy red sauce. Sounds crazy, but they're delish. INFO: $; 455 Hartz Ave., Danville; 925/838-9705.

GO Summit Visitor Center Get oriented with trail maps and dioramas at Mt. Diablo State Park's historic visitor center and museum. Stand on "the rock" (Mt. Diablo's highest point), which juts through a hole in the floor. INFO: $6 per vehicle park entrance fee; at the summit, on Summit Rd.; parks.ca.gov or 925/837-6119.

Rock City The popular picnic area is packed with unusual sandstone formations. Hike among boulders resembling giant slabs of Swiss cheese, and on fern-lined trails that weave through three species of oak. INFO: In Mt. Diablo State Park; parks.ca.gov or 925/837-6119.

Castle Rock The area has picnic tables with beautiful views. INFO: In Mt. Diablo State Park; parks.ca.gov or 925/837-6119.

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Getting there

We like to start at the north gate in Walnut Creek and exit at the south gate in Danville. From I-680, exit Ygnacio Valley Rd. in Walnut Creek. Turn right on Walnut Ave. and right again on Oak Grove Rd.; take a quick left onto North Gate Rd. and follow the signs to the north gate. Follow North Gate Rd. until it splits; follow the left fork up Summit Rd. to reach the top.

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Make it an overnight

There's nothing quite like camping in what's practically your backyard--you're surrounded by nature but still a short drive from a good latte. These three campgrounds all offer something different: Juniper is closest to the summit and has the best views; for geology buffs, Live Oak has easy access to Rock City; and Junction is nestled in a large woodland area. Open year-round; $15 per night through May 14; parks.ca.gov or 800/444-7275.