Lick Observatory

Introduction:

Where? : The active observatory is located on the summit of Mount Hamilton on hwy 130.

Google Map Link

 

What? : You can visit the admission-free Visitor Center (and gift Shop) that are open year-round and take the short informal talks, starting after 12pm (check website).

 

When? : At winter storms the mountain ridge can get covered by snow. At summer the visibility can be low because of hase.

 

Due note: The mountain ridge and the surrounding forest were severely damage during summer 2020 fires.

 

My thoughts: Nice place to visit but not a must.

Additional Nearby parks:

• Joseph D. Grant County Park
• Alum Rock Park
• Sierra Vista Open Space Preserve
• Ed R. Levin County Park
• Hiking Ed R. Levin to Mission Peak
• Don Edwards Bay National Wildlife Refuge
• Sunol Regional Wilderness
• Quarry Lakes Regional Recreation Area
• Coyote Hills Regional Park

The visit:

When visiting Joseph D. Grant Park keep driving on hwy 130 all the way to Lick Observatory. The Observatory is located on the summit of Mount Hamilton; The 10 miles uphill road winding with twist and turns all the way to the observatory.

At good clear whether there is a nice view of the Santa Clara Valley from the parking lot at 4,209 feet.

www:

https://www.ucolick.org/main/index.html

Pictures: