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    Mount Hamilton

    4.7 (27 reviews)

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    Janet D.

    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?

    Mount Hamilton at night, plus the lights of Silicon Valley
    Melissa C.

    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.

    Kim N.

    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.

    Observatory in the distance
    Kathleen L.

    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!

    K O.

    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.

    Sarah J.

    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.

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    8 years ago

    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.

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    9 years ago

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

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    10 years ago

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

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    13 years ago

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

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    Review Highlights - Mount Hamilton

    If you think the drive from Peninsula is great, the view from the observatory is even more fantastic.

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    Mount Hamilton - active - Updated May 2026

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