Mt. Diablo visitors should expect some trail closures during upcoming prescribed burns

CONTRA COSTA COUNTY, CA (May 4, 2024) — California State Parks with support from CalFire and local fire agencies, will conduct prescribed burns at Mount Diablo State Park (SP) one or more days between May 13 and June 7, 2024.

All burning depends on weather and air quality conditions; if weather or vegetation conditions are not conducive for burning and smoke dispersal, the department will reschedule the treatment.

During the prescribed burning, visitors should expect park closures. This includes the park entrance at Mitchell Canyon and access point at Regency Drive. Additionally, the following trails will be closed: Mitchell Canyon Fire Road, Bruce Lee Road, Water Tower Road, Murchio Road, Oak Road, Coulter Pine Trail, Mitchell Rock Trail, Back Creek Road, Regency Trail, Donner Canyon Road, and Clayton Oaks Trail. Other park roads, trails, and facilities outside of the burn area will remain open.  For a current list of all park closures, the public can visit parks.ca.gov/Incidents.

Smoke

The burn will cover up to 45 acres in the Mitchell Canyon area of the park. Although prescribed burns produce significantly less smoke than wildfires, communities near Mount Diablo, including Clayton, may experience smoke from the burning operations.

Bay Area Air Quality Management will help plan and coordinate all burns. California State Parks will be in close coordination with BAAQMD to minimize smoke in surrounding communities. These burns aim to benefit the park and its neighbors by enhancing habitats and managing invasive species. They also reduce wildfire risk by reducing encroaching woody vegetation. This improves wildlife habitat, promotes native plant diversity, and helps restore the natural fire regime.

State Park staff will provide information and answer questions at an online open house session. The session will take place Thursday, May 9, from 6 p.m. -7 p.m. Register here.

Need more information and specific timing of burn days? Please visit Mount Diablo SP prescribed burn webpage  and Facebook page.