Mt Umunhum Open Space Preserve

Mount Umunhum is one of the highest peaks in the Santa Cruz mountain range at 3,486 feet.  From its summit, visitors can experience 360-degree views from the Pacific to the Sierra Nevada.  There is a 3.7-mile gradual uphill (1100 foot climb, 7.4 miles roundtrip) to the summit from the lower parking lot or you can park in the upper parking lot for a shorter but steep walk to the summit. The last 0.2 miles to the summit is a set of steep stairs. The trail has views along the way and some shade from the tree canopy. There are exhibits at the summit shelter and viewpoint around the historic radar tower and below. There is a Native American ceremonial space with exhibits explaining the significance of the mountain to the Native Americans. There are restrooms at the summit. There is no drinking water so please bring plenty of water to stay hydrated.

Requirements

No dogs on trail, parking lots or Mt. Umunhum Rd including dogs in cars. No smoking or weapons of any kind.

Operating Hours

7 AM to one half hour before sunset.

Disabled Access

At the summit, there is a roundabout with four accessible parking spaces and a passenger drop off area. There is an accessible pathway to the west summit that leads to the ceremonial circle, the east summit view point and the summit shelter.

Map

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Directions

Mt Umunhum is only accessible by Hicks Rd to Mt Umunhum Rd. Do not take another route suggested by GPS or online maps as these are wrong. There are two parking lots – the upper Mt Umunhum Summit parking area has 53 spaces including four ADA spots and the lower Bald Mountain parking area that is about half the size. There is also a small parking lot at the intersection of Hicks Rd and Mt Umunhum Rd for those who want to hike about 8 miles to the top.

Contact Info

Contact Midpeninsula Regional Open Space District by phone (650) 691-1200 or email info@openspace.org