Mount Hamilton Road is a road biker's delight - if you like climbs. Getting to JD Grant Park from the San Jose sea level is already a 1500 feet climb, though mostly mild. From Grant Park there's even less car traffic while the pitch is just getting steeper, with a little fun dip through Smith Creek valley, climbing to over 4000 feet at the Mount Hamilton observatories. In winter there can even be snow on the summit roadside.

Nico

August 15, 2022

Road cycling

The road to Mount Hamilton is smooth and not really steep. I've counted just as many bikers as there were cars on a Sunday ride, which makes it even more enjoyable. During the final 2 miles, the gradient kicks in, but it's not a big deal if you are in good shape. Toping at 4,175 ft, the Lick Observatory is a nice destination, with great views all around.
The descent is somewhat technical, but since it's not very steep, you shouldn't have any issues. My maximum speed was about 40 mph on the longest stretches between turns.

In the know? Log-in to add a tip for other adventurers!

Nearby routes

Best routes near Mount Hamilton Road

5.0

(5)

468

riders

#1.

Mount Hamilton & JD Grant Park loop from Berryessa

77.6km

05:43

1,830m

This difficult 48.2-mile road cycling loop from Berryessa climbs 6017 feet to Mount Hamilton and passes through JD Grant Park.

Navigate

Send to Phone

Save

Hard

riders

#2.

Cupertino to Mt. Hamilton Lick Observatory

103km

05:33

1,770m

This difficult 63.8-mile road cycling route from Cupertino to Mt. Hamilton Lick Observatory features 5814 feet of elevation gain.

Navigate

Send to Phone

Save

Hard

5.0

(6)

489

riders

#3.

Mount Hamilton Road – Penitencia Creek Trail loop from Berryessa/North San José

78.9km

04:40

1,730m

Hard road ride. Very good fitness required. Mostly well-paved surfaces and easy to ride.

Navigate

Send to Phone

Save

Hard

Details

Informations

Distance 16.7 km

Uphill 830 m

Downhill 60 m

Weather

Sunday 29 March

24°C

13°C

0 %

Additional weather tips

Max wind speed: 11.0 km/h

Most visited during

January

February

March

April

May

June

July

August

September

October

November

December

See nearby routes

Take Me There

Location: Santa Clara County, California, United States

Other Popular Places to Check Out

Mount Hamilton - Lick Observatory

Coyote Creek Trail - Coyote to Hellyer

JD Grant Park

Halls Valley Trail 🏞️ J D Grant County Park 🌳

Calero Reservoir

Silver Creek Valley Road Bike Lane

View of San Jose from Sierra Vista Open Space Preserve

Bailey Road Climb

Alum Rock — Upper Penitencia Creek Trail

Mt. Hamilton Climb West

Inspiration Point

Hotel Trail 🌳 Joseph D Grant County Park 🌳

Mount Hamilton Road

#1.

Mount Hamilton & JD Grant Park loop from Berryessa

#2.

Cupertino to Mt. Hamilton Lick Observatory

#3.

Mount Hamilton Road – Penitencia Creek Trail loop from Berryessa/North San José

Other Popular Places to Check Out

Sign up or log in to keep exploring this route

We value your privacy ⛰️

We value your privacy ⛰️