Rock City on the Danville side of Mount Diablo is one of the most majestic locations in the State Park. It is a true gem of the East Bay and the perfect location for your family or maternity photo session.
Getting to Rock City
Let’s start with the drive to this location. You can get to Rock City at Mount Diablo in Danville from either the North or South Entrance to the Park. From the South you will get incredible views of the East Bay Valley from Danville to Pleasanton and beyond. On my drive winding up with mountain, I was able to see the coastal fog rolling in over the mountains, it was absolutely gorgeous. On the way back down, I headed towards Walnut Creek and the North entrance. This side of the mountain is filled with open fields and some ranches. It is truly amazing in the springtime when all the wildflowers bloom!
State Park Fees
Mount Diablo is a State Park, so to enter there is a small daily fee ($10). You can pay in advance by using the Yodel app, or pay at the guard station by cash or card. On the day that I entered, their card machine was down, so it might be good to bring some cash or just use the app! Or, if you are interested in visiting multiple state parks this year, you can get a yearly pass for $125-195. Also, the State Parks have just launched a pilot program with Public Libraries, which will loan out a day pass to you with your library card – such a great partnership!
Once inside the park, the drive to Rock City is pretty short. There are a few parking lots, but to get closest to the location for our photo session, I recommend the parking lot up Big Rock Road. (If we do a session here, I will send you an exact map pin to show where to meet)
The History of Rock City
Rock City was formed out of sandy material from the inland sea over 30 million years ago. In some places throughout you might even see some fossilized sea snails! The formations are unique and majestic and provide the perfect backdrop for your adventurous family session or epic maternity session. One additional thing that I love about this location is it’s accessibility. While it is not an ideal location for those with mobility issues, it is accessible by car, and not a long walk to see some of these majestic views.
Planning your Mount Diablo, Rock City Photo Session
Mount Diablo tends to be pretty busy on the weekends, so when planning a photo session here, I recommend a weekday. The park opens at 8am and closes at Sunset, so it is great for both morning and golden hour sessions. The rocks are exposed to a lot of sun, so during the summer months it can get quite warm, however in the spring and fall this location is absolutely ideal!
When choosing your outfits for this location, you will want to stand out against the backdrop. The rock formations are a neutral sand, so picking other neutrals to match that color palette would be ideal. You can learn more about my recommendations for outfits here.
This location is a dream!