It was a smoke filled, hot as Hades kind of day by early afternoon (Appropriate for Devil's Mountain). In the summer, get an early start. Gates open at 8:00 AM. Parking on this side is a $6 fee left in a self serve envelope at the entrance. I recommend knowing your license plate #, or snap a photo of it before arriving, so you don't have to pull over and get out of the car. And have a pen ready to fill out some quick info.

There are several trails up, but the favorites will follow the creek beds, or ridges, where you will see occasional water falls and flowing creeks in the springtime. Heading up towards Juniper Campground (Water and Restrooms) there are spots with benches and tables along the route, but most other trails may have little shade and little to sit on but the ground. There are lots of smaller peaks and an incredible 360 degree view from the top. Today, sadly, it was a circle of smoke surrounding the mountain. Most predominant were the early Mendocino Complex Fire plumes to the northeast. (Now the largest California fire on record.)

Make sure to go inside the Summit Visitor Center if you want to stand on the actual “hidden” summit of the mountain and find a little A/C at the same time. There are water refill stations and restrooms here too. From there, choose your route back down. If you prefer to take a loop, opposed to a there and back, you can head toward the North Peak, or several other smaller peaks on the way down. The latter is what I chose, but there is no water on these trails so fill up before heading down. All in all, plan on 13-15 miles round trip.

On your way out of town, head to Skipolini's Pizza, in downtown Clayton, or stop by CaliCraft Brewing Company, in Walnut Creek, for a cold beer and a tall tale.