About this Adventure
Wilderness Queers is meeting up to join a public stargazing night hosted by the Mount Diablo Astronomical Society. This is a free event MDAS runs for anyone - we're rolling up as a group so we have folks to enjoy it with.
Arrive by 7 PM to safely view the Sun through telescopes. Sunset is around 7:42 PM, and an almost-full moon rises at 8:20 PM, so we'll have plenty to point telescopes at as the sky darkens.
The session runs until 11 PM at the Lower Summit Parking Lot. Park gates close around sunset, so plan to arrive before then. At the end of the evening, visitors are escorted off the mountain in groups (out the North Gate).
Park gate fees may apply. MDAS only cancels for rain or fire hazard. Their listing: nightsky.jpl.nasa.gov/events/mdas/120702/
RSVP to see the full plan
We share the exact location, itinerary, packing list, and travel details with confirmed attendees only.
Accessibility
Getting to the Lower Summit Parking Lot means driving up Mount Diablo on park roads that are narrow, winding, and steep, with limited visibility and blind turns. Vehicles over 24 feet long are not recommended. The summit sits at 3,849 feet, so weather can be more extreme than down in the Bay and temperatures drop noticeably after sunset. Many trails on the mountain have limited cell service and can be very remote, so have directions and contacts saved before you head up. The park entrance fee is $10 per vehicle peak (or $6 at the North Gate / South Gate kiosks). Gates open at 8 am and close at sunset; visitors should plan to be in their vehicle and headed out by sunset to avoid being locked in.
The Mary Bowerman Trail near the summit is an accessible 0.20-mile (each way) trail with a concrete and wood surface, generally less than 5 percent slope (one short section at 6 percent for 22 feet), averaging about 4 feet wide. Most of the stargazing happens standing or sitting around telescopes in the parking lot, so a folding chair is a good idea.
Star-party logistics per MDAS: two or three times during the session, visitors are escorted off the mountain in groups via the North Gate. Bring snacks, water, and binoculars; if you bring a flashlight, cover it with red material to preserve everyone's night vision.
For specific access questions, call Mount Diablo State Park at 925-837-2525 - they're the authoritative source.
Sources: parks.ca.gov/mountdiablo parks.ca.gov/AccessibleFeatures/Details/517 nightsky.jpl.nasa.gov/events/mdas/120702/
Disclaimer & Media Release
By attending this Wilderness Queers event, you accept full responsibility for your own safety and acknowledge that the organizers are not liable for any injury, loss, or damage that may occur during the activity.
Photos and videos may be taken and shared on social media. By participating, you consent to being included. Please inform the host if you prefer not to be photographed.
Your host
Carmen
Event organizer