Northern California - I Want to Climb Mt. Diablo

But I live all the way in Daly City, but I have this idea.

One Weekend this summer, I'm going to plan to take BART at around 6-7am to the Walnut Creek Station. Bikes are OK at almost anytime on the Weekends, for both the South San Francisco Bart Station and the Walnut Creek Station.

The BART trip to Walnut Creek from SSF will take an est. 1 hour and 44 minutes.

From Walnut Creek BART, how far is Mt. Diablo?

I want to try the Mt. Diablo Time Trial route, and I'm thinking I can climb it in under 40 minutes with not too much effort. Then I'll head back to Walnut Creek BART and go home.

If I leave around 7AM-7:30AM I will get there 8:45AM-9:15AM. Hopefully, going to, climbing, descending Mt. Diablo and then biking back to Walnut Creek Bart won't take longer than 3-4 hours. And hopefully I can get back on BART before at around 1:30-2:30 or even 3:00.

Do you think if I arrive at Walnut Creek BART by 9, I can finish Mt. Diablo and hop back on bart around 1-3pm?

My training partner might come along too. And we'll probably be getting something to eat on the go when we board for both trips. It sounds pretty exciting to me, I don't know why I'm nervous though.

Pleasant Hill BART looks closer - you want to make for Walnut avenue on the attached map (Pleasant Hill BART is "D" on the map). Your plan sounds doable - although the journey time seems long. I take BART from Glen Park to Orinda frequently during the week and that journey is 35min.

http://i321.photobucket.com/albums/nn384/RDW5980/DiabloDirections/diablo.jpg

Of course your best option is to make a BF ride out of it, and capture the locals. You do need to get to the summit after you've done your TT effort.

It'll take you about 30 minutes to ride to the Athenian School where the Mt Diablo Challenge starts. The hill record is about 42 minutes, so your estimate of 40 minutes might be considered ambitious. It's 11.2 mile and 3200 ft of climbing.

Good luck. It's a wonderful climb and a challenging descent . Be careful.

Seems like a lot to go through for not even going to the top.

No, he means the time trial race that goes up North Gate and stops close to the ranger station at the Junction

Pleasant Hill BART looks closer - you want to make for Walnut avenue on the attached map (Pleasant Hill BART is "D" on the map).

+1

Pleasant Hill BART to NGR is the way to go. The Treat overpass will be done in another month too.

Time trial to the ranger house. Then catch your breath, and ride a couple hundred yards to the junction. Get water, oggle teh bikes, laugh at people in less shape than you. then:
Go to the top. You must. It is not an option. Really.
Feel free to time trial it, then report back on the last hundred yards.

Good luck! Take plenty of pics and post when you reach the top.

But I live all the way in Daly City, but I have this idea.

One Weekend this summer, I'm going to plan to take BART at around 6-7am to the Walnut Creek Station. Bikes are OK at almost anytime on the Weekends, for both the South San Francisco Bart Station and the Walnut Creek Station.

The BART trip to Walnut Creek from SSF will take an est. 1 hour and 44 minutes.
You might want to check the BART schedules. Weekends they start running around 8am, but the trip only takes an hour so you can still be on your planned schedule for riding.

If you're making a special trip out here I'd recommend going all the way to the summit rather than just the TT course. You could also go up the north side and come down the south (or vice versa). The Pleasant Hill station would be closest to the north side and either the Walnut Creek or Lafayette stations from the south side.

Alright thanks for the info everyone, and thanks for that map Beaker.

I didn't know that the TT course didn't go up to the summit. But I definitely will go to the summit. Maybe to the summit it will take me around an hour, doing the TT route I was expecting 40 mintues, but at race effort some Juniors have done it in the Mid-20's so I'm not going race effort since it's my first time (and the race has already passed) I'm doing it for the experience and like every climb, the first time around I always go pretty slow so that next time I can remember hard parts and easy parts.

But thanks for the help, I'm planning to do this either this Saturday or next Saturday. This Saturday seems a lot more likely, since this week I'm focusing on climbing workouts.

Thanks again, Dom

Alright thanks for the info everyone, and thanks for that map Beaker.

I didn't know that the TT course didn't go up to the summit. But I definitely will go to the summit. Maybe to the summit it will take me around an hour, doing the TT route I was expecting 40 mintues, but at race effort some Juniors have done it in the Mid-20's so I'm not going race effort since it's my first time (and the race has already passed) I'm doing it for the experience and like every climb, the first time around I always go pretty slow so that next time I can remember hard parts and easy parts.

But thanks for the help, I'm planning to do this either this Saturday or next Saturday. This Saturday seems a lot more likely, since this week I'm focusing on climbing workouts.

Thanks again, Dom

It'll probably take you more than an hour to get to the summit. My best time is an hour 12. My wife did an hour 30.

Have fun and make sure to have full water bottles!

http://ridewithgps.com/trips/41977

That's what I do because I like seeing both sides of Mt Diablo on one ride.

http://ridewithgps.com/trips/41977

That's what I do because I like seeing both sides of Mt Diablo on one ride.

good plan.

I enjoyed climbing up the South Gate side, greener and more shade. However descending down the North Gate side was very fun and allowed for very fast corning on the switch backs. Next time I do Mt. Diablo I will go up North Gate, unless I hear that South Gate is better.

once you stop cause you cant go anymore is it hard getting started? or have you guys not stopped? I want to try this but i sometimes have trouble getting started if its a bit steep, my main problem is quickly snapping in both feet to the pedals.

once you stop cause you cant go anymore is it hard getting started? or have you guys not stopped? I want to try this but i sometimes have trouble getting started if its a bit steep, my main problem is quickly snapping in both feet to the pedals.

Ride perpendicular to the road, click in, keep going. :thumb:

yeah i just googlemapped different parts of the route. I thought the road was going to be wider with more car traffic. I was expecting something else until i saw the pics. I definitely want to do this now. Only problem is that none of my friends want to get near it. Im using the route goodtimes posted as reference. which side do you guys think its easier? north or south gate?

yeah i just googlemapped different parts of the route. I thought the road was going to be wider with more car traffic. I was expecting something else until i saw the pics. I definitely want to do this now. Only problem is that none of my friends want to get near it. Im using the route goodtimes posted as reference. which side do you guys think its easier? north or south gate?

Lots of good photos of the Mountain from a cyclist's perspective HERE (http://picasaweb.google.com/DiabloScottsBikeBlog/DiabloFavorites#5292499385650969938) :D

You do have to be careful where you pull out. Most of the road doesn't have a shoulder but there are enough pull out places that you can probably make it to the next one before you take a breather... that'll help with getting clicked back in your pedals and you'll be out of the way of traffic up and down, two and four wheels. Also make sure that any time you stop, you're visable for a good distance in both directions - don't stop near a switchback or around a blind corner.

South Gate Road is the Easy Side.

Lots of good photos of the Mountain from a cyclist's perspective HERE (http://picasaweb.google.com/DiabloScottsBikeBlog/DiabloFavorites#5292499385650969938) :D

You do have to be careful where you pull out. Most of the road doesn't have a shoulder but there are enough pull out places that you can probably make it to the next one before you take a breather... that'll help with getting clicked back in your pedals and you'll be out of the way of traffic up and down, two and four wheels. Also make sure that any time you stop, you're visable for a good distance in both directions - don't stop near a switchback or around a blind corner.

South Gate Road is the Easy Side.

wow...some of those pics look more intimidating than anything i saw on googlemaps. ill still be excited to try this until im stuck on steep slope, out of breath or just plain exhausted. but im still willing to try it. none of my friends want to be near this trail for now so i guess im going solo. thanks for the advice DiabloScott

yeah i just googlemapped different parts of the route. I thought the road was going to be wider with more car traffic. I was expecting something else until i saw the pics. I definitely want to do this now. Only problem is that none of my friends want to get near it. Im using the route goodtimes posted as reference. which side do you guys think its easier? north or south gate?

I think that the northside ascent is more difficult, simply because you're starting at a lower elevation. The southside averages about 5.5% with some 10% inclines thrown in. The last 150 yards is where it's difficult (+15%). Save yourself for that.

I think that the northside ascent is more difficult, simply because you're starting at a lower elevation. The southside averages about 5.5% with some 10% inclines thrown in. The last 150 yards is where it's difficult (+15%). Save yourself for that.



http://lh6.ggpht.com/_hSZo5vjiPmQ/Ry-0L7Nj27I/AAAAAAAAByM/RXWJfGeEs8Q/s800/Diablo%20Profile.jpg


SGR averages 5%, NGR averages 6%, and Summit Road is 7%
The "last 150 yards" (the Summit Wall) is 280 meters starting at the road closure barrier.

once you stop cause you cant go anymore is it hard getting started? or have you guys not stopped? I want to try this but i sometimes have trouble getting started if its a bit steep, my main problem is quickly snapping in both feet to the pedals.I've never found Diablo (North or South) to be steep enough for that to be a problem. I've definitely ridden in places where a steep start would very nearly wheelie me onto my ass, but Diablo isn't one of them.


I think that the northside ascent is more difficult, simply because you're starting at a lower elevation. The southside averages about 5.5% with some 10% inclines thrown in. The last 150 yards is where it's difficult (+15%). Save yourself for that.North is definitely the more difficult of the two. I'd done the North a dozen or so times (it was closer to me at the time) before I ever ascended the South side. "Hey, this is easy!"

Also, isn't The Wall more like 20%?

Wow this is great, I've planned my depart for Mt. Diablo on July 10, taking BART at the hour of 7-8.

I still need to need to study the area via Google Earth, but from Richard's map, it seems fairly simple. But I can't wait to climb it and I'll be sure to take some pictures. Hopefully, the weather is not too cold or not too hot!

Also, isn't The Wall more like 20%?

The GPS track I've gathered from the summit ride shows around 16% for 0.12 miles for "the wall". It feels closer to 20% after an hour plus of climbing!

Wow this is great, I've planned my depart for Mt. Diablo on July 10, taking BART at the hour of 7-8.

I still need to need to study the area via Google Earth, but from Richard's map, it seems fairly simple. But I can't wait to climb it and I'll be sure to take some pictures. Hopefully, the weather is not too cold or not too hot!

If you go up on a weekend...please be careful, especially going down. Cars will routinely cross the centerline to cut corners, and Diablo has plenty of blind curves, and picnic area driveways. And if you get hit...even if you die the driver will only be fined $100 apparently. So they will not care if you are hit (sorry...just read that other post about the killed cyclist...)

But really, there will be lots of cars and people on the mountain. Temps this weekend are supposed to be low to mid 90's. That means at least one stop to fill up 2 bottles. Diablo is hot hot hot in summer!

The GPS track I've gathered from the summit ride shows around 16% for 0.12 miles for "the wall". It feels closer to 20% after an hour plus of climbing!Ah, that must be it. Heh.

Here's a recent Garmin elevation profile from the ranger station to the summit showing the steepest grades.

http://lh3.ggpht.com/_YObKuX2krqA/TDa8H6YpliI/AAAAAAAAApI/POED-Os2hFM/Screen%20shot%202010-07-08%20at%2011.03.23%20PM.png

I was fooled into thinking South Gate was tougher. I suppose this means a new assault on Mt. Diablo! 7bmwm3gtr I might be game if you wouldn't mind me tagging along for a North Gate ascent.

http://lh6.ggpht.com/_hSZo5vjiPmQ/TDdaAd8B9II/AAAAAAAAJd0/JYinhrwi_lo/s800/Summit%20Wall%20Combined.JPG

That says 280m.

Here's a recent Garmin elevation profile from the ranger station to the summit showing the steepest grades.

http://lh3.ggpht.com/_YObKuX2krqA/TDa8H6YpliI/AAAAAAAAApI/POED-Os2hFM/Screen%20shot%202010-07-08%20at%2011.03.23%20PM.pngLook out for that next step, it's a doozy!

Look out for that next step, it's a doozy!

I was wondering about that one too. I guess, once at the top, he threw his bike off the cliff.

I was fooled into thinking South Gate was tougher. I suppose this means a new assault on Mt. Diablo! 7bmwm3gtr I might be game if you wouldn't mind me tagging along for a North Gate ascent.

Right on! I just don't know the exact time I'll be at the bart station, however Specialized2k10 also said he would come and try this. I'm expecting my arrival to Pleasant Hill Bart to be around 8:45-9:30

Alright! My camera is charging, I got my money ready. Checked the bart times so I'm almost good.

Just one thing, the roads I'm taking are Treat BLVD, Bancroft RD, Walnut Avenue, and of course North gate Rd. NONE of those roads are closed right =p

I will report back on the NorCal forum and maybe even the Road Cycling forum when I have my pictures and report done.

Good luck, sorry I won't be able to make. I would end up walking it if I tried right now lol.

Quick question for everyone else....how long had you been cycling before you went up mt diablo?

9months after getting my first road bike. If you normally ride hills around the bay area, Diablo is nothing different. The grade for the bulk of the climb is really not a big deal, the part at the end will get you working, but it doesn't last long and it's made up for by some of the best views to be had in the region.

Seriously, go ride it, you can do it.

Just one thing, the roads I'm taking are Treat BLVD, Bancroft RD, Walnut Avenue, and of course North gate Rd. NONE of those roads are closed right =p

Consider skipping Treat and taking the bike path through to Bancroft. Treat is one of those high traffic roads with little wiggle room that always jacks my heart rate up. Considering what you are looking forward to, you might do yourself a favor by taking the path and keeping things nice and easy all the way out to the beginning of the climb.

http://maps.google.com/maps?f=d&source=s_d&saddr=Jones+Rd&daddr=37.9246,-122.055016+to:Bancroft+Rd&hl=en&geocode=FbG_QgIdupa5-A%3B%3BFeK2QgIdhtC5-A&mra=dme&mrcr=0&mrsp=1&sz=15&via=1&dirflg=b&sll=37.925378,-122.049222&sspn=0.017332,0.03047&ie=UTF8&ll=37.9246,-122.048192&spn=0.017332,0.03047&z=15&lci=bike

=( I woke up pretty late so I didn't get to catch an earlier BART and i didn't want to risk going home too late, so I'll have to move Diablo to the week after the next week, the 24th.

Thanks for your help everybody!

Look out for that next step, it's a doozy!

I hit stop at the top and forgot to turn it back on until I got near the bottom.

=( I woke up pretty late so I didn't get to catch an earlier BART and i didn't want to risk going home too late, so I'll have to move Diablo to the week after the next week, the 24th.

Thanks for your help everybody!

Missed a beauty.
http://lh4.ggpht.com/_hSZo5vjiPmQ/TDjn34FwGzI/AAAAAAAAJfw/QpVKYyCxbg4/s800/P7101976.JPG

http://lh5.ggpht.com/_hSZo5vjiPmQ/TDjn3K3kn4I/AAAAAAAAJfg/xVMfkLmIdf4/s800/P7101972.JPG

http://lh6.ggpht.com/_hSZo5vjiPmQ/TDdaAd8B9II/AAAAAAAAJd0/JYinhrwi_lo/s800/Summit%20Wall%20Combined.JPG

That says 280m.

Ah...that's it. Looking at "point A", that's not where I was taking the starting point for "the wall". My point A would be up the road a bit where it becomes truly one way. I guess I am talking about the part of the road which is basically a consistent grade. It's still not reached its steepest gradient at your Point A. But I don't know what most people consider "the wall" to be.

Was it hot today on Diablo? I was up on Friday, and I got my butt kicked. My computer registered 97 degrees, but I doubt it was that hot. All I know is it cooked me. Couldn't even make the wall to judge if it is really 280 meters (haha!). I don't like riding when it's too hot, but we've had a relatively mild summer, so anything over 90 feels a helluva lot hotter.

i rode it on friday and yes, it was HOT. it was my first time up and was kinda miserable - i started around 12:30. it definitely felt like it was in the 90's. that cool drinking fountain at the top was GLORIOUS.

so yeah, it was hot. i gave it my all on the way up. on top of that, i missed the turn to southgate (where my car was). i ended up at north gate, and had to grind back up to junction to get back to my car at south gate. i figured it would be less time than taking city streets back to danville since i don't know the area well.

i rode it on friday and yes, it was HOT. it was my first time up and was kinda miserable - i started around 12:30. it definitely felt like it was in the 90's. that cool drinking fountain at the top was GLORIOUS.

so yeah, it was hot. i gave it my all on the way up. on top of that, i missed the turn to southgate (where my car was). i ended up at north gate, and had to grind back up to junction to get back to my car at south gate. i figured it would be less time than taking city streets back to danville since i don't know the area well.

We probably crossed paths at one point...I was there around midday as well.

Anyway, that's one tough lesson to learn, missing the turn off to South Gate! It's not very easy to get back to the South Gate side from the north...lots of side streets, and if you don't know where you are going, you can get lost really easily.

yeah, i can see why i missed it though. when you're flying down the mountain after recovering from a hot march to the top, wind in your face, sweat cooling in full effect, two bottles of water from the cold drinking fountain at the top and feeling like you're having an awesome day, it's easy to fly right past that sharp turn to the left and keep going down the road to north gate.

lesson learned...won't do that again!

nice to see so many discussion on Mt. Diablo. one of my fav climb in the area even though i live far from it. i plan to head up there this weekend, either late Saturday or early early Sunday.

I might be interested in going super early Sunday to beat the heat and still have time to do stuff. What time are you thinking?

If anyone is interested in joining up for a little Mt Diablo plus Morgan Territory loop, I'll be heading out on a route early Sunday morning. I'll be passing near Walnut Creek Bart too. I'm in recovery mode right now after spending all of May in bed after a really bad wreck, so I won't be going at much rate at all, more like a 'survival'..

Anyway, plotted a map on mapmyride if you are interested. I will be doing this clockwise.

http://www.mapmyride.com/ride/united-states/ca/walnut-creek/897127934016451211

I might be interested in going super early Sunday to beat the heat and still have time to do stuff. What time are you thinking?

we are probably gonna do it late Sat. Sunday will be a bit tough as my friend has a lunch business meeting. he is in town from Asia. we plan to head out another meeting of his on Sat.

If anyone is interested in joining up for a little Mt Diablo plus Morgan Territory loop, I'll be heading out on a route early Sunday morning. I'll be passing near Walnut Creek Bart too. I'm in recovery mode right now after spending all of May in bed after a really bad wreck, so I won't be going at much rate at all, more like a 'survival'..

Anyway, plotted a map on mapmyride if you are interested. I will be doing this clockwise.

http://www.mapmyride.com/ride/united-states/ca/walnut-creek/897127934016451211

Wow- if that is your recovery ride, I'd hate to see what you could do fully healthy!!!

Wow- if that is your recovery ride, I'd hate to see what you could do fully healthy!!!

Sorry wrong wording there, I'm fully recovered from the injury, just way behind from where I was cardiovascularly. The route is nothing different, I'll just be doing it at the slowest rate ever. A little recon on my condition before the Mt Shasta Summit Century in 2 weeks. Anyone else doing that ride?