Diablo Foothills is an imposing gateway to Mt Diablo State Park and Walnut Creek Open Space parklands. The 1,060-acre Foothills are valued for their striking geological formations, their sweeping panoramas of the region of San Francisco Bay and the rural quality of the adjacent rolling grasslands. The recreation area of Castle Rock is located within the park of Diablo Foothills.
The rock formations at Pine Canyon are currently closed for protection of nesting peregrine falcons effective February 1, reopening August 1. This protected species is highly territorial and disturbance sensitive, particularly during nesting season. While the rock formations, known as the Castle Rock, are in Mount. Diablo State Park, they are accessed by most tourists via Diablo Foothills Regional Park. Several other park areas are impacted. We thank the assistance of the public in helping us preserve birds of this genus.
Castle Rock Conservation Area is adjacent to Diablo Foothills and is situated in a beautiful canyon near Pine Creek. Oak woodland and prominent sandstone formations dominate the area. Historically Castle Rock specializes in planning picnic activities for large gatherings of 300 or more participants.
Apart from panoramic views of the mountain and its surroundings, the 1,060-acre Diablo Foothills has interesting geological features, beautiful seasonal wildflowers and a variety of bird and animal life. The vegetation in the valley varies from grassland and oak savannah on the hills to riparian and oak forest. Pine Creek runs through Pine Canyon and falls within the eastern part of the drainage of Walnut Creek, which floods 150 square miles from central Contra Costa County into San Francisco Bay.
Various forms of forest sustain a range of species, including mule deer, bobcats, coyote, gray fox, long-tailed weasels, raccoons, gophers, rabbits, and ground squirrels. The park is used for breeding and foraging purposes by birds such as red-winged blackbirds, northern mockingbirds, scrub jay, California quail and brown towhees. Rock outcrops hide garter and gopher snakes, lizards from the western barrier, lizards from the southern alligator, tree frogs and salamanders from California Pine Creek 's perennial pools of water ensure green sunfish, mosquitofish, and largemouth bass survive.
Diablo Foothills provides plenty of natural land for horseback riding, climbing, walking and observing wildlife. There are no facilities developed inside the park.
There are wheelchair friendly paths throughout the Castle Rock Conservation Area. Many wheelchair friendly services in the Castle Rock Entertainment Area include a toilet and a drinking fountain, and an open lift into the lake.
Northern Staging Area: leave I-680 and travel east at Ygnacio Valley Road in Walnut Creek. Switch right onto Walnut Road, after around three miles. Turn right on Oak Grove Road after about two miles, then take a right onto Castle Rock Road and follow it to the Orchard Staging Area on the right. There is a limited car park at the end of Castle Rock Road. Southern Staging Area: At Livorna Road, exit I-680. Head east to the Livorna Staging area in Alamo just west of Stonegate Drive, about three miles
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This amazing attraction is located near the following must-see sights in Walnut Creek, California:
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Mount Diablo State Park
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Briones Regional Park
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Las Trampas Regional Wilderness Park
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The Ruth Bancroft Garden & Nursery
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Lindsay Wildlife Experience
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The Gardens at Heather Farm
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Heather Farm Park
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Iron Horse Regional Trail
All of these wonderful attractions are located just a short distance from our location at 1261 Locust Street in Walnut Creek, California!
