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Clayton, California

Things to Do

Explore Clayton parks, Mount Diablo hikes, family activities and local events. Choose a starting point or put together a day out.

Illustration: Mount Diablo’s double summit and Eagle Peak from the Grove, drawn from the real skyline.

Planned Days

Suggested outings with stops and pacing laid out for you, or build your own from the guide’s records.

Coming up

See what’s on

The next dates organizers have published, in Clayton and at its edge. Check with the organizer before you go.

Clayton parks and trails

Clayton's parks, the dog park and the trail system that ties them together.

  • City parkClayton · City of Clayton

    Clayton Community Park

    A city park with ballfields, picnic areas and two play structures.BallfieldsPicnic areasTwo play structures

    Before you go

    Address
    7411 Marsh Creek Road at Regency Drive, Clayton, CA 94517
    Posted hours
    Sunrise to sunset
    Dogs
    Keep dogs leashed and clean up after them.
    Parking
    Upper and lower lots; the upper lot has designated accessible spaces.
    Accessibility
    Designated accessible parking is listed. Check with the city about accessible paths, restrooms and play equipment before relying on them.
    Reservations
    Picnic areas and sports fields, by application

    Information checked Sep 2026. Check the operator for current conditions, rules and closures.

    Amenities

    • Ballfields
    • Picnic areas
    • Two play structures

    Worth knowing

    Confirm current rental fees with the city.

    Open full page

    Notice: Closed Mondays and Tuesdays from October 12 through November 3, 2026, for pest management, according to the City of Clayton. The lower parking lot by the lower baseball field stays open for school traffic. Operator notice

    Directions
    Add to my day
    Official website Reservation information
  • City parkClayton · City of Clayton

    The Grove

    The downtown park: play features, picnic seating and reservable gathering spaces.PlaygroundSeasonal splash padGazebo

    Before you go

    Address
    6100 Main St, Clayton, CA
    Posted hours
    Sunrise to sunset
    Dogs
    Keep dogs leashed and clean up after them.
    Reservations
    Gazebo, tot-lot picnic tables, game tables or the whole park, by application

    Information checked Sep 2026. Check the operator for current conditions, rules and closures.

    Amenities

    • Playground
    • Seasonal splash pad
    • Gazebo
    • Picnic tables
    • Game tables
    Open full page

    The splash pad is seasonal. Check with the city before planning around water play.

    Directions
    Add to my day
    Official website Reservation information
  • City parkClayton · City of Clayton

    Lydia Lane Park

    A neighborhood park at the northeast end of Lydia Lane with picnic and play facilities.Grass areaPicnic benchPlay structure

    Before you go

    Address
    N. Lydia Lane, off Clayton Road, Clayton, CA 94517
    Posted hours
    Sunrise to sunset
    Dogs
    Keep dogs leashed and clean up after them.
    Reservations
    Picnic use is first come, first served

    Information checked Sep 2026. Check the operator for current conditions, rules and closures.

    Amenities

    • Grass area
    • Picnic bench
    • Play structure
    Open full page
    Directions
    Add to my day
    Official website
  • City parkClayton · City of Clayton

    North Valley Park

    A neighborhood park on Keller Ridge Drive with a children's play structure.Children's play structure

    Before you go

    Address
    Keller Ridge Drive, Clayton, CA 94517
    Posted hours
    Sunrise to sunset
    Dogs
    Keep dogs leashed and clean up after them.
    Reservations
    First come, first served

    Information checked Sep 2026. Check the operator for current conditions, rules and closures.

    Amenities

    • Children's play structure
    Open full page
    Directions
    Add to my day
    Official website
  • City parkClayton · City of Clayton

    Westwood Park

    A city neighborhood park reached from the ends of Haviland Place and Ohara Court.

    Before you go

    Address
    End of Haviland Place and Ohara Court, Clayton, CA 94517
    Posted hours
    Sunrise to sunset
    Dogs
    Keep dogs leashed and clean up after them.

    Information checked Sep 2026. Check the operator for current conditions, rules and closures.

    Worth knowing

    Check with the city before relying on a playground, restrooms, picnic tables or a trail connection.

    Open full page
    Directions
    Add to my day
    Official website
  • Dog parkClayton · City of Clayton

    Clayton Dog Park

    A fenced dog park supported by the City and the Clayton K-9 Coalition.FencingBenchesPicnic table

    Before you go

    Address
    Marsh Creek Road, Clayton, CA 94517
    Posted hours
    Sunrise to sunset
    Dogs
    Off-leash here, the one exception to the city park leash rule; pick up after your dog.

    Information checked Sep 2026. Check the operator for current conditions, rules and closures.

    Amenities

    • Fencing
    • Benches
    • Picnic table
    • Waste receptacles
    • Water
    • Arbor shade structure

    Worth knowing

    The city invites help with weed abatement and wood chips and donations to the Clayton K-9 Coalition. Start with the city's park page to find out how to help.

    Open full page

    Bring water for your dog and check park conditions before going.

    Directions
    Add to my day
    Official website
  • TrailsClayton · City of Clayton

    Clayton Trail System

    The citywide open-space trail network: paved creek routes and hill trails connecting neighborhoods, downtown and the regional parks.Paved creek routesHill trails

    Before you go

    Information checked Sep 2026. Check the operator for current conditions, rules and closures.

    Amenities

    • Paved creek routes
    • Hill trails

    Worth knowing

    Walking, hiking, cycling and horses are described for the network as a whole; that is not blanket permission for every segment.

    The city sells a printed trail map at City Hall and the Historical Society; check stock and price before going for one.

    Open full page

    About 27 miles of trail across roughly 515 acres, as the city describes the whole network; no single route is that long.

    Add to my day
    Official website

Mount Diablo access and rules →

Parks with playgrounds in Clayton

Mount Diablo hikes and walks

Walks and hikes around Mount Diablo, with published distance, climb and access details. Pick by how long you have, then check current park notices.

Routes the Mount Diablo Interpretive Association and Save Mount Diablo describe as popular, starting from Clayton's side of the mountain.

  • EasyMount Diablo hike · Mount Diablo Interpretive Association

    Mitchell Canyon nature walk

    Starts at Mitchell Canyon Staging Area~4 mi500 ft gainOut and back
    Before you hike

    Distance and difficulty are from Mount Diablo Interpretive Association; distances are approximate.

    Starts at
    Mitchell Canyon Staging Area
    Access
    96 Mitchell Canyon Road, Clayton, CA 94517
    Posted hours
    Park gate 8am to sunset.
    Parking
    Designated staging area with a published vehicle entry fee, paid by cash or check as published; confirm current payment methods.
    Facilities
    MDIA lists water and toilets. Bring water and check current facilities before going.

    There is no vehicle route to the summit from here.

    Route information checked Sep 2026. Access information checked Sep 2026. Check the park for current rules and closures.

    Worth knowing

    The distance is for MDIA's standard turnaround; the optional Globe Lily return is a separate variant.

    Use the linked guide and current official map for navigation; this outline does not give turn-by-turn directions.

    Open full page

    Check the park page for current closures, including fire closures, before going.

    Directions to start
    Add to my day
    Read the MDIA interpretive trail guide Plan Mitchell Canyon access Check park alerts and conditions
  • StrenuousMount Diablo hike · Mount Diablo Interpretive Association

    Mitchell Canyon–Back Creek loop

    Starts at Mitchell Canyon Staging Area~7 mi1,700 ft gainLoop
    Before you hike

    Distance and difficulty are from Mount Diablo Interpretive Association; distances are approximate.

    Starts at
    Mitchell Canyon Staging Area
    Access
    96 Mitchell Canyon Road, Clayton, CA 94517
    Posted hours
    Park gate 8am to sunset.
    Parking
    Designated staging area with a published vehicle entry fee, paid by cash or check as published; confirm current payment methods.
    Facilities
    MDIA lists water and toilets. Bring water and check current facilities before going.

    There is no vehicle route to the summit from here.

    Route information checked Sep 2026. Access information checked Sep 2026. Check the park for current rules and closures.

    Worth knowing

    The guide returns toward the trailhead from Coulter Pine; check the final connector against the current official map.

    Use the linked guide and current official map for navigation; this outline does not give turn-by-turn directions.

    Open full page

    Check the park page for current closures, including fire closures, before going.

    Directions to start
    Add to my day
    Read the MDIA route guide Plan Mitchell Canyon access Check park alerts and conditions
  • ModerateMount Diablo hike · Save Mount Diablo

    Donner Canyon–Falls loop from Regency

    Starts at Regency Drive Trailhead~5.1 miLoop
    Before you hike

    Distance and difficulty are from Save Mount Diablo; distances are approximate.

    Elevation gain was not reported by the guide.

    Starts at
    Regency Drive Trailhead
    Access
    End of Regency Drive, Clayton (no numeric address verified)
    Posted hours
    State park operating hours apply inside the boundary.
    Parking
    Only in designated street areas; parts of Regency Drive prohibit parking, and school parking is not overflow. Current street signs control.

    Route information checked Sep 2026. Access information checked Sep 2026. Check the park for current rules and closures.

    Worth knowing

    Elevation gain is not listed in the guide.

    The falls run in the wet season; don't count on flowing water.

    Use the linked guide and current official map for navigation; this outline does not give turn-by-turn directions.

    Open full page

    Check the park page for current closures, including fire closures, before going.

    Add to my day
    Read the Save Mount Diablo hike guide Check access and route context Check park alerts and conditions
  • ModerateMount Diablo hike · Mount Diablo Interpretive Association

    Falls loop from Mitchell Canyon

    Starts at Mitchell Canyon Staging Area~8 mi1,700 ft gainLoop
    Before you hike

    Distance and difficulty are from Mount Diablo Interpretive Association; distances are approximate.

    Starts at
    Mitchell Canyon Staging Area
    Access
    96 Mitchell Canyon Road, Clayton, CA 94517
    Posted hours
    Park gate 8am to sunset.
    Parking
    Designated staging area with a published vehicle entry fee, paid by cash or check as published; confirm current payment methods.
    Facilities
    MDIA lists water and toilets. Bring water and check current facilities before going.

    There is no vehicle route to the summit from here.

    Route information checked Sep 2026. Access information checked Sep 2026. Check the park for current rules and closures.

    Worth knowing

    MDIA also lists a 7.6-mile variant; follow the linked guide for this 8-mile route.

    Don't count on flowing waterfalls; check current conditions before planning around them.

    Use the linked guide and current official map for navigation; this outline does not give turn-by-turn directions.

    Open full page

    Check the park page for current closures, including fire closures, before going.

    Directions to start
    Add to my day
    Read the MDIA route guide Plan Mitchell Canyon access Check park alerts and conditions
  • EasyMount Diablo hike · Mount Diablo Interpretive Association

    Mary Bowerman summit circuit

    A drive-up summit loop, not a hike from town.~0.7 miLoop
    Before you hike

    Distance and difficulty are from Mount Diablo Interpretive Association; distances are approximate.

    Elevation gain was not reported by the guide.

    Starts at
    Lower Summit Parking Lot
    Access
    Summit area; the trailhead is above the lot at the end of the one-way descending summit road
    Posted hours
    State park rules; approved astronomy programs may have specific after-hours arrangements.
    Parking
    Reached by the park's summit road, not by driving through Mitchell Canyon.
    Facilities
    MDIA lists water and toilets. Bring water and check current facilities before going.

    Route information checked Sep 2026. Access information checked Sep 2026. Check the park for current rules and closures.

    Worth knowing

    A drive-up outing at the summit, not a hike up from Clayton.

    MDIA describes only the first third as accessible; the full circuit is not wheelchair accessible.

    Open full page

    Check the park page for current closures, including fire closures, before going.

    Add to my day
    Read the MDIA short-walks guide See the summit trailhead description Check park alerts and conditions

Longer adventures

More climbing and more of the day: the guides' moderate and demanding routes, and the regional preserves within a drive.

  • ModerateMount Diablo hike · Mount Diablo Interpretive Association

    Twin Peaks–Mitchell Rock loop

    Starts at Mitchell Canyon Staging Area~4 mi1,100 ft gainLoop
    Before you hike

    Distance and difficulty are from Mount Diablo Interpretive Association; distances are approximate.

    Starts at
    Mitchell Canyon Staging Area
    Access
    96 Mitchell Canyon Road, Clayton, CA 94517
    Posted hours
    Park gate 8am to sunset.
    Parking
    Designated staging area with a published vehicle entry fee, paid by cash or check as published; confirm current payment methods.
    Facilities
    MDIA lists water and toilets. Bring water and check current facilities before going.

    There is no vehicle route to the summit from here.

    Route information checked Sep 2026. Access information checked Sep 2026. Check the park for current rules and closures.

    Worth knowing

    MDIA warns of vertical drop-offs at Twin Peaks.

    Use the linked guide and current official map for navigation; this outline does not give turn-by-turn directions.

    Open full page

    Check the park page for current closures, including fire closures, before going.

    Directions to start
    Add to my day
    Read the MDIA route guide Plan Mitchell Canyon access Check park alerts and conditions
  • ModerateMount Diablo hike · Mount Diablo Interpretive Association

    Black Point loop

    Described by both guides as less visited.~4.8 mi1,190 ft gainLoop
    Before you hike

    Distance and difficulty are from Mount Diablo Interpretive Association; distances are approximate.

    Starts at
    Mitchell Canyon Staging Area
    Access
    96 Mitchell Canyon Road, Clayton, CA 94517
    Posted hours
    Park gate 8am to sunset.
    Parking
    Designated staging area with a published vehicle entry fee, paid by cash or check as published; confirm current payment methods.
    Facilities
    MDIA lists water and toilets. Bring water and check current facilities before going.

    There is no vehicle route to the summit from here.

    Route information checked Sep 2026. Access information checked Sep 2026. Check the park for current rules and closures.

    Worth knowing

    Save Mount Diablo describes a different, roughly five-mile variant with a summit spur; follow the MDIA guide for this 4.8-mile route.

    Use the linked guide and current official map for navigation; this outline does not give turn-by-turn directions.

    Open full page

    Check the park page for current closures, including fire closures, before going.

    Directions to start
    Add to my day
    Read the MDIA route guide Plan Mitchell Canyon access Check park alerts and conditions
  • DemandingMount Diablo hike · Mount Diablo Interpretive Association

    Mitchell Canyon to Mount Diablo summit loop

    Starts at Mitchell Canyon Staging Area~13 mi3,200 ft gainLoop
    Before you hike

    Distance and difficulty are from Mount Diablo Interpretive Association; distances are approximate.

    Starts at
    Mitchell Canyon Staging Area
    Access
    96 Mitchell Canyon Road, Clayton, CA 94517
    Posted hours
    Park gate 8am to sunset.
    Parking
    Designated staging area with a published vehicle entry fee, paid by cash or check as published; confirm current payment methods.
    Facilities
    MDIA lists water and toilets. Bring water and check current facilities before going.

    There is no vehicle route to the summit from here.

    Route information checked Sep 2026. Access information checked Sep 2026. Check the park for current rules and closures.

    Worth knowing

    The summit rock is inside the visitor-center rotunda; interior access is not guaranteed.

    Use the linked guide and current official map for navigation; this outline does not give turn-by-turn directions.

    Open full page

    Check the park page for current closures, including fire closures, before going.

    Directions to start
    Add to my day
    Read the MDIA route guide Plan Mitchell Canyon access Check park alerts and conditions
  • ModerateMount Diablo hike · Mount Diablo Interpretive Association

    Olofson Ridge

    Starts at Mitchell Canyon Staging Area~5.3 mi1,010 ft gainOut and back
    Before you hike

    Distance and difficulty are from Mount Diablo Interpretive Association; distances are approximate.

    Starts at
    Mitchell Canyon Staging Area
    Access
    96 Mitchell Canyon Road, Clayton, CA 94517
    Posted hours
    Park gate 8am to sunset.
    Parking
    Designated staging area with a published vehicle entry fee, paid by cash or check as published; confirm current payment methods.
    Facilities
    MDIA lists water and toilets. Bring water and check current facilities before going.

    There is no vehicle route to the summit from here.

    Route information checked Sep 2026. Access information checked Sep 2026. Check the park for current rules and closures.

    Worth knowing

    The guide gives a round-trip distance; the return retraces the way up.

    Spring wildflowers the guide mentions are seasonal and not guaranteed.

    Use the linked guide and current official map for navigation; this outline does not give turn-by-turn directions.

    Open full page

    Check the park page for current closures, including fire closures, before going.

    Directions to start
    Add to my day
    Read the MDIA route guide Plan Mitchell Canyon access Check park alerts and conditions
  • DemandingMount Diablo hike · Mount Diablo Interpretive Association

    Mount Olympia loop via Middle Trail

    Starts at Regency Drive Trailhead~8 mi3,000 ft gainLoop
    Before you hike

    Distance and difficulty are from Mount Diablo Interpretive Association; distances are approximate.

    Starts at
    Regency Drive Trailhead
    Access
    End of Regency Drive, Clayton (no numeric address verified)
    Posted hours
    State park operating hours apply inside the boundary.
    Parking
    Only in designated street areas; parts of Regency Drive prohibit parking, and school parking is not overflow. Current street signs control.

    Route information checked Sep 2026. Access information checked Sep 2026. Check the park for current rules and closures.

    Worth knowing

    MDIA lists no facilities at the Regency Drive trailhead and no dogs. Park on the street beyond the last houses, not in the permit-only areas in front of them.

    The guide calls the climb toward Prospectors Gap and the descent from North Peak challenging, and keeps the Olympia Trail section off private property.

    Use the linked guide and current official map for navigation; this outline does not give turn-by-turn directions.

    Open full page

    Check the park page for current closures, including fire closures, before going.

    Add to my day
    Read the MDIA route guide Check access and route context Check park alerts and conditions
  • DemandingMount Diablo hike · Mount Diablo Interpretive Association

    Eagle Peak loop from Mitchell Canyon

    Starts at Mitchell Canyon Staging Area~8 mi3,101 ft gainLoop
    Before you hike

    Distance and difficulty are from Mount Diablo Interpretive Association; distances are approximate.

    Starts at
    Mitchell Canyon Staging Area
    Access
    96 Mitchell Canyon Road, Clayton, CA 94517
    Posted hours
    Park gate 8am to sunset.
    Parking
    Designated staging area with a published vehicle entry fee, paid by cash or check as published; confirm current payment methods.
    Facilities
    MDIA lists water and toilets. Bring water and check current facilities before going.

    There is no vehicle route to the summit from here.

    Route information checked Sep 2026. Access information checked Sep 2026. Check the park for current rules and closures.

    Worth knowing

    MDIA warns that Eagle Peak Trail is a ridge trail, often only a few feet wide, with sharp drop-offs on each side.

    Use the linked guide and current official map for navigation; this outline does not give turn-by-turn directions.

    Open full page

    Check the park page for current closures, including fire closures, before going.

    Directions to start
    Add to my day
    Read the MDIA route guide Plan Mitchell Canyon access Check park alerts and conditions
  • PreserveAt Clayton's edge · East Bay Regional Park District

    Black Diamond Mines Regional Preserve

    Trails and mining heritage; check gate hours and the district's notices.
    About this place

    Trails above ground and mining history below: a regional preserve with an underground visitor center and a separately booked Coal Mine Experience.

    Before you go
    Address
    Main entrance: 5175 Somersville Road, Antioch, CA 94509
    Posted hours
    Gate hours are seasonal and change through the year; the district's park page lists the current schedule.
    Dogs
    Leash in parking, developed and picnic areas and within 200 feet of entrances, or as posted; voice control always.
    Bikes
    Designated trails only.
    Horses
    Horseback riding is listed; individual trail permissions follow the map and signs.
    Fees
    A vehicle fee is collected at the main staffed kiosk. That is not evidence of a fee on the Clayton side.

    Information checked Sep 2026. Check the operator for current conditions, rules and closures.

    Worth knowing

    The Greathouse Visitor Center has mining-history displays inside a former sand mine. It is about a quarter-mile beyond the upper parking lot on a partly paved, partly gravel path with an incline; check its separate visiting hours before driving over.

    Going farther underground requires the Coal Mine Experience. Participants must be at least seven years old. Use the park page to check program dates and reserve ahead; a visitor-center visit does not include a mine booking.

    For the visitor center and mine programs, use the Somersville Road entrance in Antioch. The Clayton-side Black Diamond Way entrance is walk-in; check with the district about parking and a route to the visitor center before using that entrance.

    Open full page

    Check the district's notices for trail closures before going.

    Directions
    Add to my day
    Official website Official map
  • PreserveNearby · East Bay Regional Park District

    Morgan Territory Regional Preserve

    Reached along Morgan Territory Road; the staging-area gate keeps shorter hours than the park.
    About this place

    Sandstone hills, open ridges and views toward Mount Diablo, with hiking, designated riding trails and a reservable backpack camp.

    Before you go
    Address
    Staging area: 9401 Morgan Territory Road, Livermore, CA 94551
    Posted hours
    Park 5am–10pm unless posted; the vehicle gate at the staging area runs 8am–7pm from September 6 to November 5, 2026, as published.
    Dogs
    Leash within 200 feet of entrances, in developed, parking and picnic areas, near livestock and where posted; voice control always.
    Bikes
    Designated trails only; the map distinguishes permitted-use classes.
    Horses
    Designated trails; the map includes hiker-only segments.
    Fees
    No parking fee.
    Reservations
    Backpack campsite; arrange with district Reservations before your trip

    Information checked Sep 2026. Check the operator for current conditions, rules and closures.

    Worth knowing

    From the Clayton side, the district directs visitors along Marsh Creek Road to Morgan Territory Road. Its main staging area is 9.4 miles along Morgan Territory Road from that turn; this is the access drive, not a hike distance.

    The preserve has a backpack campsite. Use the camping link on the park page and contact district Reservations; an overnight trip needs a reservation made at least two business days ahead.

    For a nature-focused outing, the park page links wildflower photo guides and a wild plant checklist. Seasonal flowers and wildlife sightings are not guaranteed.

    Open full page
    Directions
    Add to my day
    Official website Official map Reservation information

Parks and rules come from the operators' own pages; hikes come from the Mount Diablo Interpretive Association and Save Mount Diablo guides, checked between September 6, 2026 and September 26, 2026. Nothing here is a live report on gates, water or closures.

Something to join, try or learn

Games, creative projects and guided outings. Start here, then check the organizer’s latest details.

Play together

A game and a reason to get out of the house.

Make something. Learn something.

Library programs and ideas for a curious afternoon.

Explore with a guide

Let the people who know the mountain help you get started.

Based on the organizers’ official pages, checked September 10, 2026. Schedules, space and participation requirements are confirmed by the organizer.

For the kids

11 youth sports and activity programs from Clayton organizations, with who each one is for and the next step.

Ways to help

14 organizations with a way to take part, and 4 evergreen trail and restoration routes.

Plan the rest of your outing