However you get here- by bicycle (way to go), by foot (the Summit Trail is not easy, nice work) or by car (it takes a while), the views will not disappoint. Having been introduced to my geographical neighbor due to my love for cycling and its history in making appearances on the Tour of California pro cycling race, I decided to go scope things out before tackling it myself on my trusted road bike. Instead, I decided to drive and hike and then drive again, to plan my eventual assault on the summit by bike. For the record, the drive had me kicking myself for not having just done it by bike the entire time- it’s gorgeous, gradual and quiet on those roads as a cyclist in a way I’ve only ever seen in remote regions of Europe. Once you’re at the summit and the observation deck, be sure to take in all the views on all sides. You’re then treated to a view of ancient marine fossils on the sandstone of the summit building. Then as you climb the stairs you learn of the importance of the beacon to aviators and learn that the only time it is fully lighted is annually on December 7th to mark the anniversary of the attack on Pearl Harbor. Make a visit to this icon a must-see when living in the Bay Area or traveling here for an extended period of time. You’ll be impressed. See you out there!
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Mount Diablo Beacon
However you get here- by bicycle (way to go), by foot (the Summit Trail is not easy, nice work) or by car (it takes a while), the views will not disappoint. Having been introduced to my geographical neighbor due to my love for cycling and its history in making appearances on the Tour of California pro cycling race, I decided to go scope things out before tackling it myself on my trusted road bike. Instead, I decided to drive and hike and then drive again, to plan my eventual assault on the summit by bike. For the record, the drive had me kicking myself for not having just done it by bike the entire time- it’s gorgeous, gradual and quiet on those roads as a cyclist in a way I’ve only ever seen in remote regions of Europe. Once you’re at the summit and the observation deck, be sure to take in all the views on all sides. You’re then treated to a view of ancient marine fossils on the sandstone of the summit building. Then as you climb the stairs you learn of the importance of the beacon to aviators and learn that the only time it is fully lighted is annually on December 7th to mark the anniversary of the attack on Pearl Harbor. Make a visit to this icon a must-see when living in the Bay Area or traveling here for an extended period of time. You’ll be impressed. See you out there!
