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.

Routes here

Best routes to Mount Hamilton Road

5.0

(4)

469

riders

1. Mount Hamilton & JD Grant Park loop from Berryessa

77.6km

05:43

1,830m

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

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Hard

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2. Cupertino to Mt. Hamilton Lick Observatory — Cupertino, California

103km

05:33

1,770m

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

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Hard

5.0

(6)

391

riders

3. Mount Hamilton Road – JD Grant Park loop from Capitol

81.9km

04:42

1,790m

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

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Hard

Details

Informations

Distance 16.7 km

Uphill 830 m

Downhill 60 m

Weather

Today

Thursday 12 February

13°C

3°C

6 %

Additional weather tips

Max wind speed: 9.0 km/h

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Location: Santa Clara County, California, United States

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Mount Hamilton Road

1. Mount Hamilton & JD Grant Park loop from Berryessa

2. Cupertino to Mt. Hamilton Lick Observatory — Cupertino, California

3. Mount Hamilton Road – JD Grant Park loop from Capitol

Other Popular Places to Check Out

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