Thursday, December 21, 2017

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Welcome the Winter Solstice, the shortest day of the year with a ride up North Gate Rd and Summit Rd to the top of Mt Diablo!

Mt Diablo State Park North Gate Entrance Station to the Junction Ranger Station is 6.5 miles with an average grade of 6%. North Gate Rd to Mt Diablo North Entrance to Arroyo del Cerro Ranch.

North Gate Rd to the NW Park Boundary.

North Gate Rd continues winding around the mountain towards Burma Trailhead.

The steepest section on North Gate Rd is about a quarter-mile stretch with 9-11% grades on the approach to the 1000′ elevation sign near Burma Road Trail to Camel Rock and a bit beyond.

North Gate Rd to Diablo Ranch.

North Gate winds up and around the switchbacks.

North Gate Rd to the trail at Angel Kerley Rd.

The last 0.7 mile to the Junction Ranger Station.

Summit Rd up to Mt Diablo summit is 4.5 miles with an average grade of 7%.

Enjoy the spectacular panoramic Livermore Valley Overlook views!

Livermore Valley Overlook to Toyon Picnic Area.

Steep 9-11% climb from Toyon Picnic Area to Grapevine Picnic Area.

The road eases up from Grapevine Picnic Area to Juniper.

Enjoy the valley views at Juniper!

Juniper to Devils Elbow.

Devils Elbow to the summit lower parking lot with a steep 13-17% climb up “the wall’ to Mt Diablo Summit.

Enjoy the glorious mountaintop views! 35F at the summit with gusty winds of 30+ mph

What a great way to embrace the first day of winter with a fabulous ride up Diablo!

Garmin Stats:
29.14 Miles with 4032′ of elevation gain
Max elevation: 3852′
Max grade: 17%
Terrain: Extremely hilly with steep climbs

Weather: Sunny, clear, and breezy. COLD temps ranging from the low 30’s to the high 40’s with NW > NE winds.

View the interactive RGPS route map & profile

Follow this route for today’s ride: