The road to this dome is scary especially at night times but it is worth the view. The dome is close now due to under construction and you can't go up inside it, expect to reopen during Summer times. From Alum Rock road to here is about 40 minutes. Don't go here during rainy day because the road can be slippery and scary. It is a beautiful scenery roads to the top with beautiful houses and lands. read more

See all

Great ride with a beautiful view on clear sky days of the Santa Clara valley. Long but not steep for a rewarding bike ride. Bring extra water on hot days, long finger gloves on cold days. read more

For my 50th Review, I am reviewing a place very near a dear to my heart. I drive up here often to just get away from it all. The road is treacherous, especially when you start getting closer to the summit up by the Lick Observatory. Once you get up there, it is totally worth it. At the peak, the air is so clean, and the view is spectacular! The sunset are picture perfect. When the city lights come on, it is a wonderful man-made marvel. You can see as far as Alviso- the bay to the north, and to the south, you can see all Evergreen, Communications-Beacon Hill, and Morgan hill in the distance. The Santa Cruz Mountains straight ahead of you present themselves as the wall. It is all so amazing. Overall; if you have the gas, and the are a good driver, a definite to do for anyone in California. read more

See all

Drove up after the hike yesterday. Curious is more like it. This review is for more for the people that will want to go up there to experience Mt Hamilton when it's covered in some snow. My actual hike review will follow soon! Beautiful! It does look a lot different with about a foot of snow everywhere covering the observatory. The road was plowed but the sides was blanketed in snow. Actually , it was snow everywhere. At 4,000 feet and so close to home it just feels surreal. I almost forgot where I was! The climb up was definitely a tad hairy for most people! The road was very narrow and there was a bunch of brake stepping going on! That annoyed me the most! The observatory was kept nicely clean, dry and warm inside. Outside was just covered in snow! I took a bunch of photos to show what was inside and a bunch outside as well. If you're going this weekend go early. We went around 3 something after the hike and there was a bunch of people and some real fighting for parking spots! Can you believe that? read more

See all

For my 200th review, somewhere near and dear to my heart. Long, long ago, in a kingdom far away, lived the beautiful Princess Angie who lived with her mother and father, the king and queen, in a palace atop of a beautiful serene hill in San Jose.... Mount Hamilton. Angie was just as a princess should be; beautiful, clever, polite, a little cooler than most girls her age and maybe just a little stubborn (if she felt she wasn't getting what she wanted), and there was one thing she wanted more than anything in the world... more than her 5 white horses... more than her 20 silk dresses ... even more than her 50 pairs of hand-made shoes.... Her prince. I was brought upon this hill some months ago whilst being courted to meet the king and queen. The pressure was on, my v-neck was pressed and my wing-tips were shined. I nervously chuckled as I gazed out the window on the seemingly long ride up... winding around turns barely missing marathon training cyclists and bustling down dirt roads leaving a cloud of smoke in our rearview. Finally, we made it. The castle was guarded with the most aggressive toy poodle I had ever laid my eyes on. This said poodle, which I later found out went by the calling of Chewbacca, sniffed me out and granted me access. One can never say what took place once inside the kingdom, but it was magical. There was music, laughter, steak and rice platters, football and love filled the air. There are a lot of magical places on earth... but like a lot of things, it is what you make of it. For some, Hawaii and Disneyland fits the bill and awe the hearts. But for I, Mount Hamilton has singlehandedly given me some of the best moments in my life. Now, the castle atop this hill, is no longer without its prince and the household is complete... and the princess has found her prince. Do yourself a favor. Hop in your chariot, whip your horses and park along many of the lookout points over the beautiful south bay. Now, I can't promise you the spark I felt, but the love that radiates in the air in unmistakable. As the duke of Mount Hamilton, Princess Angie and I approve this message. read more

I drove by signs for this place everyday for a whole summer when I was working in the area, so it was always in the back of my mind. One night, my friend and I were looking to do some exploring and so we finally decided to acquaint ourselves with Mt. Hamilton, not knowing what to expect. We started the drive up pretty late and definitely weren't expecting a 45-minute drive just to get to the top. There were many moments when we considered turning back, when the pitch black turns got trickier and our headlights revealed scatters of wild mice and boar. If you're looking to drive up hwy 130, make sure your passengers aren't prone to motion sickness (check the reviews on Lick Observatory to see what I mean). Unfamiliar places are scary at night, and this was no exception. But then we'd hit a point in the mountain, where the lights of Silicon Valley lit up the sky, creating the illusion of what we called a "midnight sunset." It was one of the most beautiful sights in all of the Bay Area. Finally, we saw signs for Lick Observatory and we had an inkling that we were nearing the top. Since it was past midnight by the time we were up there, the place was obviously closed. We parked in front of the gates, lied down on top of the car, and realized that we were now far enough away from the lights of the valley that we could actually see the stars clearly. Then we noticed that some of them were moving. "Wait, what's today's date?" I asked my friend. We had unknowingly stumbled upon the best stargazing site in the area, on the night of a meteor shower. Truly an unforgettable experience. This place is no doubt a hidden gem at night, because we saw zero cars throughout our adventure. We will most definitely head back up, on purpose, for the next shower. read more

Mount Hamilton - Mount Hamilton at night, plus the lights of Silicon Valley - Active Life Near Me - San Jose, California

A bit of a harrowing drive depending on who you're with. It can be long and arduous or quick and exhilarating. Once you get to the top however, you'll have one of the best views of Silicon Valley below. Often times you'll be over many of the cloud and fog layers coming in. I didn't realize you could keep going onto the central valley, and one of the days Ill probably do it. Someone had mentioned an alternate route from Alum Rock which might be safer but I didnt think Quimby to 130 was all that bad. Next trip Ill plan for more time and see more of the area, but the pictures definitely speak for themselves. read more

See all

As simply a resident of the city that bikes up and down Mt. Hamilton - I think it is awesome. The last time I biked to the top, I walked through the halls (cleats removed of course!) and there were some amazing photos on display of the Observatory throughout the years and the seasons. I didn't get to see much beyond that but, still - really cool. It can be a pretty treacherous road and I appreciate all the sensible drivers (and cyclists) out there - thank you! read more

See all

Came up here on a sunset motorcycle ride. Definitely a technical road with hairpin twisties, narrow roads, one lanes, & quick changes in elevation. Beautiful views from the top & beautiful sunset. For motorcyclists: careful of large trucks cutting into the opposite lane, dirt, & gravel. There aren't a ton of safe large places on the route to pull over for views, etc. It's a fun ride, but I would recommend only for experienced riders, or going at an off-peak time with someone who knows the mountain well. read more

Mount Hamilton - Active Life Near Me - San Jose, California

One of my go to places for a drive in bay area. Nice view and its fun driving up here. read more

First things first. If you are going to ascend to the top of Mount Hamilton and you're going in on the San Jose side, go via Alum Rock and NOT Quimby. Oh. my. God. I thought for sure I was going to die. Narrow twisty twisty roads, a boyfriend who was driving AND watching the scenery at the same time and next to no barriers on the side of the road. There were times when I had my eyes closed but then I'd freak out about my boyfriend driving over the side of the mountain and open them. So yeah, go via Alum Rock. Once you get to the top though, totally worth it. I'm no science buff but even I found the observatories interesting from a historical viewpoint. Those telescopes have been up there a LONG time. Since the late 1800's. It's all free and they have talks every 30 minutes. Interesting talks, even. There's also a very cute gift shop AND someone was selling brownies / coffee / tea for $1.00 each as a fund raiser. And damn, those brownies were fantastic. The views of course are magnificent. Don't be an idiot and forget your camera like I did because once you get above the haze of the Valley you can get some amazing shots. I borrowed the b/f's cell phone camera and was blown away by the colors. But remember. Alum Rock. read more

Wow, I am only the 6th review for this place? It has been around forever, and is TOTALLY worth the drive up to check it out. It is the highest peak in the Bay Area, Higher than Mount Tam and Mount Diablo!!! The drive up is SUPER WINDY! (GREAT motorcycle ride). You can access it from Livermore, go from San Jose, or do a complete loop! I just did the whole loop with my fiance riding two up on a SV650. Totally FUN! I would not recommend it for anyone with under 2 years motorcycle experience. We went Hayward to Fremont (Got breakfast) to Mount Tam, then to Livermore, and back to Hayward. We left at 10am and got home at 2:30pm. I am not a slow rider either. we spent about 30min eating and another 30 minutes at the top of the mountain. I need to do this at least once a year it is so fun! Watch for Debri and cow grates! read more

Drive = curves. That is all I'm saying. Oh, and narrow at certain spots. Cost = free. Free for observatory tour, free to walk around. What's not free is probably your gas. ;-) Tour guide = friendly, knowledgeable and makes you want to come back for more. Snow and 31 degrees in the San Jose area = priceless. read more

Best place to stargaze! There's little turnoffs on the sides of the roads that are perfect for looking at the view. Not a lot of cars pass by so it's very peaceful and relaxing. The road is really windy so not good if you get carsick. read more

Mount Hamilton - Active Life Near Me - San Jose, California

Nice place to take the family! Drive is long but worth the view!!! The museum is very nice! Lots of cool information to learn!!! Make sure to time when you come because parking can be rough up there!!! Another thing be carful with the bicyclists because some of the turns are sharp!! Hope you enjoy read more

What a thrill driving up here! (I was in the passenger seat holding on to dear life). My BF thought it was a fun drive. Its 13 miles to drive all the way up from the bottom and it takes 48 minutes to do so. It's not thaaat bad but it was pitch black so I couldn't see the cliff or exactly how high we were. There were so many stars in the sky. I would like to come back here during the day to see the view read more

Great view! Love to come up to the summit. Night viewing of the San Jose lights below is especially cool and worth the drive up.

Awesome scenery, even at 32 degrees. Gift store salesperson was so nice to opened the door to the 36" refracting telescope just for us. read more

Mount Hamilton - Active Life Near Me - San Jose, California

See all

I came up here and it felt like Tahoe it was snow everywhere me and my kids loved it. It took us about an hour and half to get up here because the road gets narrow and scary but once you get up it's gorgeous. No gas station so fill up before your drive up. We brought snacks and lunch for the kids. Drive slow to prevent getting car sick read more

I rode up Mt. Hamilton for the first time yesterday. There were some beautiful views, especially from the Lick Observatory. However, most dismaying, is the amount of trash on that mountain. Even where they do have a trash can, about five miles from the start of the climb, it was overflowing and trash littered the ground and was being caught by the breeze. Then again, huge piles of discarded household goods met us on a turn and if you looked down, even more and more. As you continue to go up, there are frequent bottles and cans on the side of the road.It marred the beauty of that mountain. Is this a reflection of the people that live around there or of the poor park service I wonder. read more

Amazing I love it. Nice view. Dep qua nhiu lam.. m gusta mucho muy bonito lugar. I love this place so much

Um, stunning? Breathtaking vistas of Silicon Valley. This gem is an awesome place to get away from the city and burbs and enjoy some real nature. I've been wanting to come up here for a while and this place is no joke. Eprops for driving up in a 400 hp v8. Vroooom. read more

Amazing views. A drive not for the faint of heart. And not somewhere you want to stop after the Observatory closes at 5, unless you want the resident Smokey telling you to get out, that is. Also not somewhere you want to pull over to one of the few places safe to stop on the road down to take pictures, because Smokey will most firmly tell you to beat it, citing a sign you probably didn't see that said Emergency Parking Only. Other than that, an absolutely beautiful place. read more

I like it here. This place is beautiful. peaceful, and relaxing! The view is spectacular! Bring a warm jacket with you. It can be very windy sometimes. read more

If you think the drive from Peninsula is great, the view from the observatory is even more fantastic. However do check for tour hours.

We travel from Livermore to San Jose once a year usually on a Wednesday or Thursday. Rarely do we see any other vehicles during our 4-hour trip. Takes 4-hours because we drive 30-mph so we can see the flowers, creeks, animals. Our annual trip is coming up. read more

I have driven up many mountains in my lifetime and didn't think this would be much different. Wrong. These roads are not safe.