Because It's There
When Mountaineer George Mallory was asked why he wanted to climb Mount Everest he responded famously with the retort: "Because it's there." Whether he actually said that or not is a debate for historians. But it's safe to say that's the same attitude cyclists share about Mt. Diablo. We climb it because it's there.
Mt. Diablo looms both over the landscape and our imaginations. It's a constant presence for Bay Area residents. On a clear day you can see the summit from the Marin Headlands. It has been said that it's even visible from Half Dome. You can catch glimpses of it from dozens of Yellowjacket rides. From the top of Pinehurst. Crossing the Benicia Bridge. Gazing down from Twin Peaks. The mountain beckons you to it's lofty heights and challenges you to climb it twisty roads.
To paraphrase, we choose to go to Mt. Diablo. We choose to go to Mt. Diablo, not because it's easy, but because it is hard, because that goal will serve to organize and measure the best of our energies and skills, because that challenge is one that we are willing to accept, one we are unwilling to postpone, and one which we intend to win.
The Route
When you make the left onto Mt. Diablo Scenic Boulevard, you're looking at about 6.9 miles to the Ranger Station. But the road is hardly uniform. There are steep sections to be sure. But there are also many false flats and even some downhill sections that will help you catch your breath or increase your average speed as you make your way to the half way point of the mountain.
The average grade is something like 4.4%, not terribly demanding by climbing standards. But when we breakdown the ride into components, we'll see where the real trouble spots are and where you can coast.
To take your mind of the climb, you'll have a constantly changing variety of scenery. The vistas are truly spectacular and only improve as road ascends to 2180 feet. If you stay alert and keep your head on a swivel, you're likely to catch sight of some of the beautiful flora (think wildflowers) and fauna (deer and daredevil squirrels that dart across the road).
Weather on the mountain can be quite severe. Depending on the time of year, you can expect searing heat bordering on triple digits, viscous winds and even snow and hail. The Yellowjackets traditionally climb Diablo in the summertime, so be sure to bring plenty of water to stay hydrated.
Mt. Diablo Scenic Road to Park Gate
Whether you're doing the Humane ride or the Advanced/Intermediate ride, you'll have some miles under your belt by the time the you make the left from Diablo Road to Mt. Diablo Scenic Road. This is the perfect place to take a quick break, grab something to eat to fuel up. If you need to, top off your water bottles atThe Athenian School, just up the road on the right side..
The road starts flat and actually dips a bit as you pass The Athenian School on your right. There's a short, but steep (7-10%) climb for about 150 yards up to the Diablo Ranch Estates, a tony looking subdivision of massive new homes. At .64 miles, you'll crest the top of the little climb and start descending on a short section of horribly paved roads.
Be careful here. The road up to the Ranger Station is newly paved and about as good as you can find anywhere, except this little section of downhill which is truly horrendous. Do yourself a favor and avoid the potholes.
The road curves around to the left as it descends, but after .15 miles you'll start climbing again, this time past more modest homes until you reach to the entrance to Mt. Diablo State Park at the 1.09 mile mark.
As you see the South Gate entrance sign on your left, you'll want to gear down as this is where the real effort begins. It's time to settle in and prepare yourself for the task at hand. There are hiking trails and an open field beyond the entrance sign and it's as good a place as any for spotting deer.
Park Gate to Pay Station
As you pass the gate that marks the entrance to the park, a long stretch of climb looms directly ahead of you. This is the real start of the climb. You're looking at about 2.9 miles at 6.1% to the Pay Station. The road undulates between 3 and 15 percent grades, so while there are sections that might put you into difficulty, they are very short, mostly around steeply banked turns and there are plenty of places to recover. Plus the asphalt is smooth as silk, so rolling friction isn't going to be your main problem—that is until it starts melting and grabbing at your tires.
At 1.2 miles the road curves to the right and you'll pass the Fire Danger sign (probably high when the Yellowjackets are coming through).
Just a little further on at 1.27 miles, you'll see a sign that says "No Alcoholic Beverages Permitted in the this Park". From here the road goes up to the left and you'll catch your first view of Danville/San Ramon Valley that will be your constant companion on the way up. The road flattens out to a nice 3-4 percent grade which should allow you to enjoy to view. You'll pass the “Curvy Next 6 miles” sign at the 1.3 mile mark.
At 1.42 miles the road takes a sharp turn and jacks up to 12 percent in the middle of the S-curve before returning back to the normal 4-5. The road up to the Ranger Station is littered with these sharp, steep turns and it's far easier to get around them if you move left to the center of the road.
At 1.63 there's a long left turn into a stand of trees that might offer some well needed shade, depending on the time of day. Probably not at High Noon. After this little grove, the road becomes a mild 1-2 percent.
The "Slippery when Wet or Frosty" sign is at the 1.85 mile mark. It's unlikely to be either although you'll probably be begging for frosty knowing what's ahead of you. From there the road pitches up sharply around a right turn bend at 8-9 percent to the 1000 ft sign at 1.92 miles. More stunning views to the right. The road runs about 5 percent and rising as the it turns due east.
Around 2 miles in, you can start to see the road rising above you as it snakes back on itself. There's big right hand switchback at 2.36 that briefly hits 15 percent, the steepest section of the climb, before settling back to 7 for straight stretch ahead. You'll find more great views over your right shoulder. You should be also see cyclists both above and below you on the road, which is either comforting or disconcerting depending on your state of mind.
The road continues with a grade of around 7-8 per until a big sweeping left turn in towards the mountain that returns to a more manageable 5-6%.
There's a final smallish steep section at 9-10% at 3.1 miles before the road flattens like a pancake next to a gravel turnout, a welcome respite before the road continues upward.
From this level section, the road never rises more than 4 percent all the way up to the Pay Station. The road continues up, but It will seem flat after what you've been through. Right around the corner you'll see the "Gate Ahead" sign and before you know it you're at the Pay Station. There's a Ranger House to the right. At this point you've ridden 3.71 miles and climbed about 1543 feet. You're more than halfway to the Ranger Station.
This is as good a place any for a regroup. There's a good spot just past the Pay Station. Get off the bike if you need to. Stretch. Eat. Drink. Recover.
Pay Station to Final Push
This is probably the easiest part of the South Gate climb with an average grade of less than 3% over about 2.3 miles. It includes two downhill sections and lots of flattish roads that you can hammer along. The road heads north and worms through the area of Mt. Diablo State Park called Rock City. Massive sandstone boulders sit right against the road.
From there till 4.22 mile it's a breezy 1-4 percent reach until you see the massive sandstone boulder on your right as the road turns north. It's a truly magical sight to see the road actually turn downwards. As you descend into Rock City, you're not likely to set any speed records, but the breeze will cool your sweaty body down.
Just past the short drop after the boulder, you'll see a massive 40-foot granite face on right. Rolling hills take you past the Rock City Picnic Area where, if you're desperate, you can find bathrooms and potable water.
At 4.74 miles, you'll turn around another sweeping right hand bend. A ranger house sits on your right, hiking trail heads up the mountain from you left, and the road returns to its upward trajectory. Resume climbing at a steady three percent grade.
As you pass the Arroyo Picnic Area 4.87 miles the road curves up to the around 6-7% grade but returns back down to 5% at the Horseshoe Picnic Area at 5 miles in.
At 5.16 mile, the road banks to the left and you'll be able to see the backside of some of the massive boulders of Rock City down the mountain to your right.
At the Horse Crossing sign, the road flattens nicely and straightens out. You can see the road pitch up just after horse crosswalk at 5.37 miles. The grade here is about 6 percent.
When you reach the Buckeye Group Camp at 5.79, you'll see a welcome sight, nice stand of pine trees forming a shady archway over the road that will provide you with some relief from the relentless sun.
At 5.9, the road flattens out and you'll come out from under the trees and when you see another Horse Crossing sign on the side of the road. The road curves to the right and drops down a smidgen. Expansive views left and right and the road returns on its eastward course. You'll see the road dip down before you as you enter an open, saddle-like section of road with drop-offs and views both left and right. Use the downhill to launch yourself up the start of the steep final push up to the Ranger Station.
Final Push to Ranger Station
Just as the road starts to turn upward again, you'll pass an encouraging milestone—the "Elevation 2000 feet" sign at 6.08 miles. Keep an eye out for turkey vultures catching an updraft from the valleys below. They are certainly keeping an eye on you.
The roads starts to ratchet it up here. You can expect 7-9 percent from here all way up to the Ranger Station. But it's less than a mile before you can give your weary legs a rest, so hang in there.
From the 2000K sign, the road gradually increasing it's pitch. By the time you hit the left hand corner at the Bridal Nook Picnic Area, it's pushing 8%. There's a little water spigot here if you're desperate for hydration, but it doesn't always run and the Ranger Station is just around the corner, so don't bother unless you're dying. If you're not dying you'll appreciate the wide open views down towards Walnut Creek to the left as you turn the corner beyond the picnic stop.
As the road turns back to the right, you can catch sight of the stop sign at the Summit Road through the pine trees. You're almost there!
The last landmark, the Maple Nook Picnic Area is just around the corner and from there it's a short but steep 7-8 percent drag up the Ranger Station.
You've done it! 6.9 miles. 1574 feet of climbing. Elevation 2,180'. Take a break before you descend back to the valley below or continue to summit. You deserve it.
Keys to a successful climb:
- Bring plenty of water and fuel.
- Much of the route is exposed to the sun. Wear sunblock.
- Stay as far to the right side of the road as possible; Rubbernecking drivers are almost as dangerous as the sun.
- If you can do it safely, ascend close to the center of the road where the grade is less severe.
- Take advantage of the downhills and rolling sections to rest or increase your speed.
- Keep you eyes open for deer, daredevil squirrels and birds of prey.
- Enjoy the changing scenery as you make your way up the mountain.
Road Type: Two Lane State Road
Characteristic: Winding
Road Condition: Excellent (except downhill section at start which is awful)
Length: 6.9 miles
Ascent: 1574 feet
Elevation at Bottom: 590 feet
Elevation at Top: 2180 feet
Average Grade: 4.38%
Maximum Grade: 16.0%
*Grade measurements made with BikeMap.net, Path Profiler, Strava, Klimb and Google Maps