Double Up on Diablo

Hike to Mount Olympia and North Peak at Mount Diablo State Park

woman kneeling and signing peak book at Mount Olympia in Mount Diablo State Park

{MARCH 20, 2024 NOTE: WITH RAIN AND STORMS AN ONGOING EVENT THIS YEAR, ALWAYS CHECK THE WEATHER FORECAST BEFORE GOING. DON'T DO THIS HIKE IN POOR WEATHER.}

Set the tone for 2024 with this twofer summit hike at Mount Diablo State Park. Embark on a 7-mile out-and-back up Mount Olympia and Diablo’s lesser-known summit, North Peak.

You’ll get a clear view of the two summits from the jump, starting from the Three Springs Staging Area and heading south on Three Springs Road.

After 0.4 mile, bear right onto Olympia Trail and ascend through a cool, shady forest. As the trees begin thinning, you can see the Diablo Mountain Range stretching north to south, and the snowcapped Sierra on the horizon.

At the intersection with East Trail, turn left to begin the final, steep stretch to the Mount Olympia summit. Beautiful, craggy rock formations make for a dramatic backdrop as you emerge on top of the 2,946-foot mountaintop.

Stellar views feature Livermore Valley, the sprawling wind farms, and the San Francisco Bay. A guest book is attached to the summit pole, so jot down a celebratory note before turning your sights to North Peak.

From the Mount Olympia summit, follow North Peak Trail as it descends into rockier terrain. Turn left onto North Peak Road, and watch your footing on the slippery gravel while climbing the final ascent to the summit at 3,557 feet. A staircase leads to the radio towers, where hikers can snap selfies with massive Mount Diablo in the background. On nice days the North Peak is a beautiful spot for a picnic.

Return the way you came.

The Three Springs Staging Area is located on Marsh Creek Rd. in Clayton. Map. Mount Diablo State Park is open from 8 a.m. to sunset. No dogs.

{MARCH 20, 2024 NOTE: WITH RAIN AND STORMS AN ONGOING EVENT THIS YEAR, ALWAYS CHECK THE WEATHER FORECAST BEFORE GOING. DON'T DO THIS HIKE IN POOR WEATHER.}

Story and photos by Heather Werner, @heath.er.wer.ner

Trending Stories NorCal

View all Stories
  1. Napa's Art of the Matter

    Downtown Napa uncorks more than just excellent wine. Art has firmly established itself along the walkways and parkways in the area, punctuated by an annual ArtWalk (year-round) and a temporary Lighted Art Festival.

    View
  2. Tamtastic Sunset

    Sure, the East Peak of Mount Tam is absolutely spectacular at sunset, but some magic-hour enthusiasts are onto a fresh perspective in getting a little more personal space for their panoramic viewings.

    View
  3. Golden Mile

    Dubbed the Golden Mile, this car-free stretch of road in Golden Gate Park features rotating art installations of murals, sculptures, and abundant bright yellow Adirondack chairs for kicking back to relax.

    View
  4. Hike Artdoors

    Add a little color to your new year. This 3-mile loop through the Montalvo Arts Center mixes the beauty of the natural world with local artists’ creations.

    View

Trending Stories SoCal

View all Stories
  1. Animal Encounters

    Located where Redding’s famous Sundial Bridge overlooks the Sacramento River, Turtle Bay Exploration Park is 300 acres of gardens, a museum and playground, aquarium, and unforgettable up-close animal encounters!

    View
  2. Sundialed

    Redding is home to one of the world’s most famous pedestrian-only bridges—the Sundial Bridge was created by the Spanish architect Santiago Calatrava (its sister bridges are in Buenos Aires, Argentina, and Seville, Spain). The glass-deck bridge across the Sacramento River is a true sundial....

    View
  3. View from Keys View Joshua Tree

    Trio of Trails

    Get into Joshua Tree National Park Park early and hit the classic circuit of short trails before the crowds arrive. We also have some food and overnight recos.

    View
  4. White Tank Campground for Stargazing

    Heaven for star buffs: the best campground in Joshua Tree National Park for night-sky viewing, in a place named an International Dark Sky Park, with a full-on observatory just minutes away! White Tank Campground is at 3,800 feet in the eastern part of the park.

    View