Domtron - Oct 12, 2022 6:38 pm Date Climbed: Mar 6, 2022
Easy to get to.
Easy to drive to. You need to hop a fence in order to get to the tippy top. This should be planned as a path because it's easy to drive nearly to the very top. Knock out Mount Hamilton while you're at it.
colingregory - Feb 12, 2019 3:31 pm Date Climbed: Mar 18, 2017
Dayhike
I have lived in San Jose my whole life barring a few college years down south. I eventually made my first trip up to Mount Hamilton thanks to peakbagging. After 'bagging' Mount Hamilton by driving into the completely flat lot, I laughed and headed towards Copernicus. I did not ask the on-duty officer and instead just went for it at a jog. Found no issue, but there is obvious negative signage at the gate. It's a county HP however, and these seem to have lack security when its not ranch lands. The fire lookout was pretty cool, but not much fun to be had here.
stepho - Aug 1, 2017 9:48 pm Date Climbed: May 1, 2017
outstanding vista
Outstanding vistas of the valley. Only bummer was that the observatory facilities were closed off for a fundraiser.
utclimber - Oct 9, 2016 8:55 pm Date Climbed: Sep 24, 2016
Approached from the Lick Observatory, technically not legal.
trexkerry - Dec 19, 2014 9:26 pm Date Climbed: Dec 18, 2014
4 Peak Day
Mt. Isabel first, then drove up to Mt. Hamilton, then short hop over to Copernicus Peak followed by Pyramid Rock. Only 1 peak at a time, followed by a drive to the next trailhead. Probably could have combined Isabel and Pyramid Rock. Copernicus was easy, parked at small turnout at bottom of access road to Copernicus. TR will probably be light on Pyramid Rock details given the experience of others. You can find it HERE.
Larry Laverty - Aug 26, 2014 12:32 am Date Climbed: Aug 25, 2014
Standard Route
Parked at 120" telescope lot just off side of road, took to the road just like I'd run away from home, and the next thing I knew I didn't know which way to turn for the best view. It's worth the tedious drive to see this mountain top, a place where science meets nature, and every knoll every gopher pile seems to have an observatory on top of it.
bennovak - Dec 29, 2013 9:15 pm Date Climbed: Dec 29, 2013
From the road
A couple hundred yards of rebellion led me to the top. The views were impressive, the Lick observatory even more so. Worth the trip.
orbitor - Aug 14, 2013 2:40 pm Date Climbed: May 19, 2013
From Lick Observatory
On the way to Oregon, took a detour to check off the Santa Clara county highpoint. Long, but very nice drive to the top of Mt. Hamilton makes this outing nothing more than a walk-up. Strolled up the road, then straight up the service road to summit. Clambered around equipment looking for the highest point. Excellent views in all directions, despite some obstructions.
Fletch - Dec 28, 2012 4:25 pm Date Climbed: Dec 9, 2011
Fun little run-up
quick blitz
georgem - Jul 6, 2012 8:53 pm Date Climbed: Jun 27, 2012
Run up Mt Ham Rd
Parked roughly at Kincaid Rd and jogged up the last 5 miles of Mt Hamilton Rd to the summits. Time to summit was about 1 hr and round trip was 1:40 excluding maybe 10 mins at the top. Great views all around and one of my favorite Bay Area summits despite the annoying access.
David Naylor - Jun 17, 2012 7:50 pm Date Climbed: Jun 16, 2012
3 Peak Day
Pyramid Rocks, Mount Isabel and Copernicus Peak-in that order. Evening hike began at the Mule Trail 5:45PM to avoid the heat. Bagged Pyramid Rocks then Mount Isabel via East Slope. It was about 8:20 when I reached the summit. Climbed up summit rocks but did not find the register nor where it is shown in the photo section. Gorgeous sunset that left deep crimson layers in the sky. Was pitch black final couple miles back to San Antonio Road. Fantastic views of Isabel Valley, Mt. Stakes and of Isabel and Pyramid Rocks from the summit of each. Finished the evening at Copernicus Peak. Satisfying day in the Diablo Range.
mrchad9 - May 9, 2010 4:17 am Date Climbed: Apr 17, 2005
Nice tour
Very long, winding drive, but enjoyed the tour of the Lick Observatory. Definitely worth going especially while the hills are green.
Dundeel - Mar 31, 2010 6:34 pm Date Climbed: Mar 24, 2010
This one is Licked
The tour of the main observatory was interesting as was looking through the windows at the 120 inch telescope. I left my truck at the 120 inch parking area and walked to Copernicus. CA Cohp #10, CA P3k 4/46.
Dennis Poulin - Dec 13, 2009 2:05 pm Date Climbed: Feb 7, 2004
Long drive, short hike
The county sheriff didn't like where I parked...
Diggler - Oct 19, 2009 3:44 pm Date Climbed: Oct 19, 2009
Another one bites the dust
Walking around an ugly manmade structure with singing electrical lines, radio wave symbols, & warnings of high voltage made me really question my attraction to the state highpoints... The great views of the Diablo range, Mt. Tam, Mt. Diablo, the South Bay, as well as a side trip to the Lick Observatory, though, restored my faith, & reminded me why. Building aside, it is a beautiful area, the drive pleasant (if it hadn't been for the 2 slow cars that refused to pull over, I would have stayed ahead of the better part of a 3-person GSX-R/YZF riders group- THAT would have been cool. Oh well...), & wonderful company made for a great day's outing.
iditarod81 - Jun 29, 2009 1:41 pm Date Climbed: May 2, 2009
Post-Hamilton.
After a look at the observatory.
Jonodo - Mar 29, 2009 5:17 pm Date Climbed: Mar 28, 2009
From the road
Nice day and hike with the boys. It was fun to be stealthy with them. For a 3 and 5 yr old, this was the perfect adventure. All the parking along the side of the road was blocked off. We parked in the lot for the 120 inch telescope and walked along the road. Fun time.
kavak - Nov 17, 2008 9:48 am Date Climbed: Jul 1, 2006
From the road
My wife wanted to show me San Francisco, but I insisted that we at least spend one day outside the city. We had no idea that it is illegal to do this hike? We just parked off the road and walked up it. The Lick Observatory was very interesting as well as the tour.
Domtron - Oct 12, 2022 6:38 pm Date Climbed: Mar 6, 2022
Easy to get to.Easy to drive to. You need to hop a fence in order to get to the tippy top. This should be planned as a path because it's easy to drive nearly to the very top. Knock out Mount Hamilton while you're at it.
Hiking Metal Maniac - Dec 20, 2020 7:59 pm Date Climbed: Mar 20, 2020
Top o' The BayWalked up from the road, snow on the ground!
colingregory - Feb 12, 2019 3:31 pm Date Climbed: Mar 18, 2017
DayhikeI have lived in San Jose my whole life barring a few college years down south. I eventually made my first trip up to Mount Hamilton thanks to peakbagging. After 'bagging' Mount Hamilton by driving into the completely flat lot, I laughed and headed towards Copernicus. I did not ask the on-duty officer and instead just went for it at a jog. Found no issue, but there is obvious negative signage at the gate. It's a county HP however, and these seem to have lack security when its not ranch lands. The fire lookout was pretty cool, but not much fun to be had here.
stepho - Aug 1, 2017 9:48 pm Date Climbed: May 1, 2017
outstanding vistaOutstanding vistas of the valley. Only bummer was that the observatory facilities were closed off for a fundraiser.
utclimber - Oct 9, 2016 8:55 pm Date Climbed: Sep 24, 2016
Mt Hamilton Road BikeBiked Mt Hamilton road starting at Grant Lake.
iditarod81 - Oct 5, 2015 12:04 pm
While visiting telescopeApproached from the Lick Observatory, technically not legal.
trexkerry - Dec 19, 2014 9:26 pm Date Climbed: Dec 18, 2014
4 Peak DayMt. Isabel first, then drove up to Mt. Hamilton, then short hop over to Copernicus Peak followed by Pyramid Rock. Only 1 peak at a time, followed by a drive to the next trailhead. Probably could have combined Isabel and Pyramid Rock. Copernicus was easy, parked at small turnout at bottom of access road to Copernicus. TR will probably be light on Pyramid Rock details given the experience of others. You can find it HERE.
Larry Laverty - Aug 26, 2014 12:32 am Date Climbed: Aug 25, 2014
Standard RouteParked at 120" telescope lot just off side of road, took to the road just like I'd run away from home, and the next thing I knew I didn't know which way to turn for the best view. It's worth the tedious drive to see this mountain top, a place where science meets nature, and every knoll every gopher pile seems to have an observatory on top of it.
bennovak - Dec 29, 2013 9:15 pm Date Climbed: Dec 29, 2013
From the roadA couple hundred yards of rebellion led me to the top. The views were impressive, the Lick observatory even more so. Worth the trip.
orbitor - Aug 14, 2013 2:40 pm Date Climbed: May 19, 2013
From Lick ObservatoryOn the way to Oregon, took a detour to check off the Santa Clara county highpoint. Long, but very nice drive to the top of Mt. Hamilton makes this outing nothing more than a walk-up. Strolled up the road, then straight up the service road to summit. Clambered around equipment looking for the highest point. Excellent views in all directions, despite some obstructions.
Fletch - Dec 28, 2012 4:25 pm Date Climbed: Dec 9, 2011
Fun little run-upquick blitz
georgem - Jul 6, 2012 8:53 pm Date Climbed: Jun 27, 2012
Run up Mt Ham RdParked roughly at Kincaid Rd and jogged up the last 5 miles of Mt Hamilton Rd to the summits. Time to summit was about 1 hr and round trip was 1:40 excluding maybe 10 mins at the top. Great views all around and one of my favorite Bay Area summits despite the annoying access.
David Naylor - Jun 17, 2012 7:50 pm Date Climbed: Jun 16, 2012
3 Peak DayPyramid Rocks, Mount Isabel and Copernicus Peak-in that order. Evening hike began at the Mule Trail 5:45PM to avoid the heat. Bagged Pyramid Rocks then Mount Isabel via East Slope. It was about 8:20 when I reached the summit. Climbed up summit rocks but did not find the register nor where it is shown in the photo section. Gorgeous sunset that left deep crimson layers in the sky. Was pitch black final couple miles back to San Antonio Road. Fantastic views of Isabel Valley, Mt. Stakes and of Isabel and Pyramid Rocks from the summit of each. Finished the evening at Copernicus Peak. Satisfying day in the Diablo Range.
mrchad9 - May 9, 2010 4:17 am Date Climbed: Apr 17, 2005
Nice tourVery long, winding drive, but enjoyed the tour of the Lick Observatory. Definitely worth going especially while the hills are green.
Dundeel - Mar 31, 2010 6:34 pm Date Climbed: Mar 24, 2010
This one is LickedThe tour of the main observatory was interesting as was looking through the windows at the 120 inch telescope. I left my truck at the 120 inch parking area and walked to Copernicus. CA Cohp #10, CA P3k 4/46.
Dennis Poulin - Dec 13, 2009 2:05 pm Date Climbed: Feb 7, 2004
Long drive, short hikeThe county sheriff didn't like where I parked...
Diggler - Oct 19, 2009 3:44 pm Date Climbed: Oct 19, 2009
Another one bites the dustWalking around an ugly manmade structure with singing electrical lines, radio wave symbols, & warnings of high voltage made me really question my attraction to the state highpoints... The great views of the Diablo range, Mt. Tam, Mt. Diablo, the South Bay, as well as a side trip to the Lick Observatory, though, restored my faith, & reminded me why. Building aside, it is a beautiful area, the drive pleasant (if it hadn't been for the 2 slow cars that refused to pull over, I would have stayed ahead of the better part of a 3-person GSX-R/YZF riders group- THAT would have been cool. Oh well...), & wonderful company made for a great day's outing.
iditarod81 - Jun 29, 2009 1:41 pm Date Climbed: May 2, 2009
Post-Hamilton.After a look at the observatory.
Jonodo - Mar 29, 2009 5:17 pm Date Climbed: Mar 28, 2009
From the roadNice day and hike with the boys. It was fun to be stealthy with them. For a 3 and 5 yr old, this was the perfect adventure. All the parking along the side of the road was blocked off. We parked in the lot for the 120 inch telescope and walked along the road. Fun time.
kavak - Nov 17, 2008 9:48 am Date Climbed: Jul 1, 2006
From the roadMy wife wanted to show me San Francisco, but I insisted that we at least spend one day outside the city. We had no idea that it is illegal to do this hike? We just parked off the road and walked up it. The Lick Observatory was very interesting as well as the tour.