Mount Diablo State Park will waive its vehicle entrance fee for veterans on Wednesday, Nov. 11, as part of a statewide Veterans Day program covering 145 California state parks.
Veterans, active-duty and reserve military personnel qualify by presenting a valid military ID or documentation showing a discharge other than dishonorable or bad conduct, according to California State Parks’ Nov. 2 announcement.
The offer covers day-use admission on Veterans Day.
California State Parks Director Armando Quintero said the holiday recognizes military members’ “courage, commitment and sacrifices.”
“We invite veterans, service members and their families to enjoy the beauty and peace their state parks have to offer,” Quintero said.
What to know before you go
Mount Diablo’s gates open at 8 a.m. and close to arriving visitors at sunset, according to the Mount Diablo Interpretive Association. Visitors should be back in their vehicles and heading out by sunset to avoid being locked in.
The association lists daily hours of 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. for the Summit Visitor Center.
The summit stands at 3,849 feet. Under the best conditions, views extend almost 200 miles, including the Farallon Islands to the west and the Sierra Nevada crest to the east, according to California State Parks.
Visitors heading to the north side of the mountain can reach the Mitchell Canyon Staging Area via Ygnacio Valley Road, Clayton Road and Mitchell Canyon Road. Trails there range from easy to difficult. Mitchell Canyon does not provide vehicle access to the summit.
The interpretive association recommends checking the park’s website or calling 925-837-2525 for current road conditions and closures before heading out.
Beacon lighting in Danville
The Mount Diablo beacon is scheduled to be lit Wednesday evening to honor veterans. VFW Post 75 lists the event at the Veterans Memorial Building in Danville.
An organizer announcement published by the Contra Costa Herald says participants will gather at the flagpole at 4:40 p.m., with the beacon activated at 5 p.m.
How the program works
Assembly Bill 150, signed by then-Gov. Jerry Brown in 2013, authorized free or reduced day-use admission for veterans and military members at participating state parks.
The complete Veterans Day participating-park list is available from California State Parks.
