Up to Umunhum

Hike to the newly opened peak of Mount Umuhum in the Santa Cruz Mountains

Clocking in at 3,486 feet, Mount Umunhum is one of the highest peaks in the Santa Cruz Mountains and has long been a South Bay landmark with the mysterious radar tower sitting atop, all of it inaccessible—until just a few months ago, when the Midpeninsula Regional Open Space District opened Mount Umunhum to visitors.

Technically, it’s located within the Sierra Azul Open Space Preserve, and you can reach the peak via the Mount Umunhum Trail. Despite its impressive elevation, the 3.7-mile (one-way) climb up to the summit is gentle, and mostly shaded by coast live oak and foothill pines. When you finally emerge from the trees, a stairway leads to the top, where the historic radar tower sits.

The backstory: 31 years ago Midpeninsula Regional Open Space District purchased this former Air Force station from the US government. You can’t enter the tower, but the contrast of the stark building with the beautiful mountains and valley stretching below makes for a memorable view. The summit’s cantilevered deck is a nice viewpoint overlooking the Santa Clara Valley, with panels describing the area’s history. A path around the peak has benches facing all directions, including East Summit vistas of two other iconic peaks, Mount Diablo and Mount Tamalpais. On clear days (more common in autumn and winter!) you’ll get incredible views of the Pacific, as far the Monterey Peninsula, with Loma Prieta and Mount Hamilton in the mix. Don’t miss the ceremonial space dedicated to Native Americans and a place to contemplate and take a few deep, relaxing breaths … ahhh-Umunhum …

NOTE:

The area surrounding the base of the radar tower at Mount Umunhum, pathways leading to the area and the East Summit Viewpoint are temporarily closed.

This is a 7.4-mile (round-trip) hike. Bring water (there is no drinking water available at this preserve). Biking is also allowed for the majority of the trail, up until the final 0.2 mile to the summit. From Hwy. 85, exit onto Camden, and head south toward the mountains. Go down Camden for about 2 miles and then turn right on Hicks Rd. Continue along Hicks until you get to Mount Umunhum Rd., where you’ll make a right. The Bald Mountain parking lot is free and is located on Mount Umunhum Rd., approximately 1.7 miles past the intersection of Hicks Rd., on the left side. Cross the street to get to the Mount Umunhum Trailhead. No dogs. Alternative: If you do not feel like hiking but still want the views, there is also a parking lot at the summit.

Trending Stories NorCal

View all Stories
  1. All right, Almaden!

    Take a trip through time on this 5-mile loop in Almaden Quicksilver County Park. Explore the ruins of an old cinnabar mine and enjoy the first hints of wildflower season.

    View
  2. Waterfalls and Wine Pours

    Cooler temps, green hills, and the return of our magnificent waterfalls! This family-friendly 2-mile hike at Uvas Canyon County Park in Morgan Hill is a great way to get the most out of a short hike post-rain.

    View
  3. Woman hiker is climbing up the ladder in the Steep Ravine section of the Dipsea Loop Trail on Mount Tam

    Misty on Mount Tam

    Mount Tam’s 3.9-mile round-trip Steep Ravine and Dipsea Trail Loop weathers the wets and wilds with some confidence, sheltered in parts by redwoods, and wowing with a waterfall.

    View
  4. Mile-Long Cataract Club

    In winter after heavy rains, the north flank of Mount Tam glows with flows. The nearly mile-long series of waterfalls—Cataract Falls—transforms into a supercharged spectacle. Starting at Alpine Dam, a 1.6 mile (one-way) narrow trails threads through redwoods and ferns along Cataract Creek.

    View

Trending Stories SoCal

View all Stories
  1. Peace Labyrinth

    Hidden in LA’s historic West Adams district, the Peace Awareness Labyrinth & Gardens is a welcome respite from the norms of urban noise.

    View
  2. Weekend Sherpa Podcast: Take It Outside

    Adventure for your earbuds. What's new in the world of the outdoors? Listen to Weekend Sherpa co-founders discuss local hikes, beaches, bike rides, camping spots and all kinds of travel and adventure in California and beyond!

    View
  3. Hikers sitting on a large rock slab next to Three Sisters Falls in Cleveland National Forest Southern California near Julian

    Three Sisters

    Good things come in threes at this hike to a lovely trio-tiered waterfall in Cleveland National Forest. The 4.25-mile out-and-back hike rambles among rolling hills, with rocky mountain views as switchbacks take you down to a lush canyon and the falls.

    View
  4. People gathered around a tree at an LA Park as part of the Tree Tour led by Stephanie Carrie

    LA's Tree Tour

    Los Angeles is famous for its iconic palm trees but did you know that LA is home to one of the most diverse urban forests in the world? With over 1,000 different tree species lining its streets, LA offers a unique urban canopy waiting to be explored. One of the best ways to discover it is by joining a Tree Tour

    View