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Mount Umunhum Summit and Back

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Intermediate Intermediate
 4.5 (20)
  1. Areas
  2. CA
  3. …Bay Area
  4. …San Jose
  5. Sierra Azul Open Space Preserve
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“Combine nature, amazing scenery, and interesting history while hiking to one of the highest peaks in the Santa Cruz Mts. ”

Shlomo Waser
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Map Key

8.3

Miles

13.3

KM

Out and Back

3,474' 1,059 m

High

2,317' 706 m

Low

1,195' 364 m

Up

1,195' 364 m

Down

5%

Avg Grade (3°)

44%

Max Grade (24°)

Dogs No Dogs

Features Birding · Views · Wildlife

Overview

Explore one of the highest peaks in the Santa Cruz Mountains. This excellent trail has it all. Hikers will enjoy nature with lots of different plants, amazing scenic views in all directions, and very interesting history.

Need to Know

About a third of the trail is exposed to the sun, so start early when the days are hot.
The Bald Mountain parking has limited parking, which is another reason to start early.
Download a free audio guide describing the natural environment, the scenery, and the rich history of the area on the Sierra Azul website.

Description

This trail was opened to the public on September 18, 2017. The trail starts at the parking lot of Bald Mountain Trail.

It climbs steadily (1,200 ft) for 3.7 miles to the summit of Mount Umunhum, one of the highest peaks in the Santa Cruz Mountains. The trail is excellent and easy to follow, making its way up lots of switchbacks to ease the climb.

The trail goes through a variety of trees such as oak, madrone, manzanita etc. The views from the summit are great: Silicon Valley lies below you, and (on a clear day) one can see all the way to San Francisco, Monterey Bay, and the Pacific Ocean. There are great views of all the mountains in the area, including Mount Hamilton and Mount Diablo. There are a few interpretive signs along the trail and many more on the summit area.

History & Background

The summit of Mount Umunhum has an eight story concrete tower that is visible from many places in the south Bay Area. That tower was once a base holding a radar dish operated by the US Air Force from 1957-1980. After the base closed, the land was bought by the Mid Peninsula Open Space District (mid-Pen) to be used as an open space for the public. However, due to hazardous materials and other safety issues, it was not open to the public until September 18, 2017. For over 30 years Mid-Pen worked on returning the area to mostly its original natural environment. However, they kept the iconic 86 foot tower.

The mountain's name means Hummingbird in the Ohlone language.

Contacts

Land Manager: Mid-Peninsula Regional Open Space District

Shared By:

Shlomo Waser
Full Details

Trail Ratings

  4.5 from 20 votes

#1

in Sierra Azul Open Space Preserve

#637

Overall
  4.5 from 20 votes
5 Star
55%
4 Star
35%
3 Star
10%
2 Star
0%
1 Star
0%
Recommended Route Rankings

#1

in Sierra Azul Open Space…

#103

in California

#637

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15,229 Since Sep 28, 2017
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Photos

Guadalupe Creek Overlook
Sep 28, 2017 near Almaden…, CA
Looking towards the valley from Guadalupe Creek Overlook, late one August afternoon.
Aug 10, 2019 near Almaden…, CA
Up ahead is Mt. Umunhum summit
Nov 11, 2017 near Almaden…, CA
Mt. Umunhum, 3,488 ft., as seen from the north
Sep 1, 2017 near Lexingt…, CA
Native American Ceremonial Circle on top of Mount Umunhum. A sacred place for thousands of years to Native Americans.
Sep 30, 2017 near Lexingt…, CA
View south from Mount Umunhum.
Mar 17, 2024 near Lexingt…, CA

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Current Trail Conditions

All Clear 98 days ago
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Check-Ins

Jan 21, 2023
Tilman Giese
Nov 25, 2022
Mariana Gregorio Barreiros
8.3mi — 3h 30m
May 15, 2022
A G
Mar 13, 2022
Jeremiah Johnson
Dec 14, 2021
Hayley Riggins
W j
Feb 7, 2021
David Hitchcock
Jan 30, 2021
Sarita B
8mi — 3h 04m
Oct 24, 2020
Nancy Kaneb

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