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Mount Hamilton Road, Diablo Range, California
Photo: Oleg Alexandrov · Public domain

Drives California The Bay Area

Mount Hamilton Road

Mount Hamilton Road, CA 130 · San Jose → Lick Observatory

Intense17.4 mi50 min4,300 ft climbHigh point ≈ 3,900 ftOne way
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The drive

Mount Hamilton Road was built for a telescope. Santa Clara County finished the 19-mile road in 1876 so that James Lick's observatory could be hauled up the mountain by horse and mule, and to keep the grade gentle enough for wagons it follows every fold of the hillside. It's said to have 365 curves, and driving it, you'll believe it.

From the edge of east San Jose, Highway 130 climbs at once into grassy hills, with the Santa Clara Valley opening up behind you. It passes Joseph D. Grant County Park, then keeps climbing, bend after bend, up the upper slopes of the mountain to Lick Observatory.

It's driven uphill from San Jose, the only way to end at the observatory, and the views keep getting bigger the higher you go.

Along the way

  1. San Jose (Alum Rock Avenue)
  2. Joseph D. Grant County Park
  3. Lick Observatory
Elevation
4,300 ft of climbing · high point ≈ 3,900 ft
San JoseLick Observatory
Curves
Twisty most of the way
San JoseLick Observatory
GentleHairpins

Good to know

  • Expect cyclists on the climb, and narrow, blind bends where you'll meet them.
  • Snow and ice occasionally close the upper road for a day in winter storms.
  • Lick Observatory's visitor areas have limited hours and parts of the site have been closed for repairs before; check the observatory's page before you go.
  • There are no services on the climb; restrooms and water are at the Shane Telescope gallery at the top.

Open all year, weather permitting. Roads close for snow, fire, storms and repairs: before you set off, check Caltrans: Highway 130 conditions.

Questions about this drive

How long does it take to drive up Mount Hamilton?

Mount Hamilton Road from Alum Rock Avenue in San Jose to Lick Observatory is 17.4 miles and takes about 50 minutes without stops.

How many curves are on Mount Hamilton Road?

Mount Hamilton Road is said to have 365 curves, the result of being built in 1876 at a gentle grade for horse-drawn wagons hauling the observatory up the mountain.

Is Lick Observatory open to visitors?

Yes. At the top of Mount Hamilton Road, Lick Observatory's Shane Telescope gallery and East Grounds have been open daily from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m., free, while the main building is closed for storm repairs.

Does Mount Hamilton Road close for snow?

Occasionally. Snow and ice can close Mount Hamilton Road for a day or so in winter storms; Caltrans posts closures on its Highway 130 page.

What you get in the app

Turn by turn, on this roadSpoken directions along the exact route. Carve never reroutes you onto a faster one.
Preview it in 3DFly the whole drive over satellite and terrain before you go.
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Road conditionsAPEXWet or dry, ice, fog and wind along the road before you go.
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Distance, time, elevation, curves and intensity are from Carve's route. Checked 2026-10-28.

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Map of Mount Hamilton Road, from San Jose to Lick Observatory