Mt Hamilton — San Jose to Lick Observatory

About this drive

365 turns from San Jose floor to the Lick Observatory summit. No guardrails. The pavement is consistent and the grip is honest — but the camber drops away on the outside of half the corners, so leave room. Lick Observatory waits at the top. Visit on a Saturday for the public talks, or sunset on a clear night for a sky you cannot see from down in the valley.

Recommended stops

photo spot

First Overlook

Mile 4.1

South Bay panorama coming up — pull right just past the second guardrail.

hazard

Cattle Crossing

Mile 12.3

Cattle on the road past mile 12. Genuinely. Slow it down through the open range section.

viewpoint

Halfway Vista

Mile 14.8

Best pull-out for a coffee + the climb ahead. Smoother camber here.

viewpoint

Lick Observatory

Mile 19.2

Sunset = unreal. Bring a jacket — drops 15° at the summit.

Recent drivers

8 community logs

Reviews

Ranked by frequency driven and photos contributed — never by speed.

J

Jess Tanaka

@cruise_jess · 2023 Acura NSX Type S

★★★★☆

365 turns is no exaggeration. The lack of guardrails will keep your eyes up and your hands honest. Lick at sunset is the move.

5/18/2026

M

Marco Reyes

@drift_marco · 2002 Nissan Silvia S15

★★★★★

Drove this in the S15 right after a clutch swap. The slow climb gave me time to feel everything. Bring water and a jacket — top is 15° cooler.

5/13/2026

A

Alex Quintero

@ridge_alex · 2021 BMW M3 Competition

★★★★★

Cattle thing is real but they get out of the way. The pavement is consistent and the corners build on each other. Sleeper of the Bay Area.

5/5/2026

S

Sam Whitford

@apex_sam · 2024 Porsche 718 GT4 RS

★★★★☆

Stop at the Halfway Vista — best pull-out, smoother camber, fewer cyclists than the first overlook.

4/29/2026

Conditions & tips