You and your kiddo will love to climb around the wind-hollowed caves and giant rocks at Rock City on Mt. Diablo.
Mt. Diablo State Park is near Walnut Creek (North Gate Road into the park) and Danville (South Gate Road).
Within the park there are numerous hiking trails and recreation areas; Rock City is just one of them.
Access Rock City via South Gate Road which you’ll reach by driving on Mt Diablo Scenic Road from Danville. Well-marked with plenty of parking, this area is “great rock-scampering and sandstone wind caves for explorers of all ages,” said East Bay mom Christa Dahlstrom when she shared her photos with us.
Plan your visit to Rock City
Tips for Visiting Rock City
- This adventure is not for strollers! You will be leaving the main path to explore the rock formations.
- Be sure to bring water, as the faucets in the park are not always in operation.
- Watch young children as some rocks have large drop offs.
- Wear grippy shoes; sandstone can be slippery
- Don’t miss Tarantula breeding season (!) at the end of the summer, also at Mt. Diablo. The East Bay Regional Parks District runs programming to help you learn about these critters (safely!)
Where the heck is this place?
Find more terrific outdoor outings for Bay Area kids >
If you find yourself dragging kids to The Container Store or some other Walnut Creek destination, keep this little adventure in your back pocket.
1 thought on “Gem of the East Bay: Rock City Trail at Mt Diablo State Park”
this looks amazing! It seems it’s a good 30min drive from walnut creek. How far to the rock formations from the parking? I’m trying to figure out how long I should factor in. thanks!