This ride climbs the backside of the Mt. Hamilton summit, and descends the San Jose side to loop along Calaveras Road and Sunol/ Stanley Blvd. to return to Livermore. At 108M roundtrip, and 6,000 ft. vertical, it is steeper than the San Jose side, but the road has less auto traffic, is wider, and in better condition. Be prepared for the last seven miles to the summit, where it starts to get steep, especially around mile four and two. There are pesky flies and gnats in your face, which is particularly annoying while grunting up the steep grades, so be sure to wear insect repellent sunscreen. The last mile is practically free, although it seems very steep at first, it gives you a much-deserved break, and the sign to the Lick Observatory is very inspiring-you finally made it!
Total miles are indicated at the end of each direction, and the road has mileage markers, which can be motivational or excruciating, depending on the shape you are in and how your ride is going. In the summer, wear a Camelbak and have plenty of bottles. This ride is best done in the fall, when the leaves are beginning to change color and the temperature is moderate. Mid October, when Daylight Savings Time ends, is ideal, before the rainy season. It is good insurance at this time to have a light, the sun sets quickly around 5:15 PM. The first couple of times I did this ride I wanted to linger at the Lick Observatory, it has great views and an interesting tour of the telescope. The temperature drops considerably at the summit, take along a jacket for the descent.
If you want to opt for a shorter distance, see the Del Puerto Junction Ride. There is also a good 7M climb to Lake Del Valle if you are up for a swim. Or, avoid some additional climbing on the Calveras/ Sunol loop and turnaround at the summit and return directly to Livermore.
Start:
There is parking at Nob Hill Foods, across from the Library.
So. Livermore Ave/ Tesla Road
Right Mines Road (2M)
Left Mines Road/ San Antonio Valley Road (6M)
The Junction-stop for lunch or refill water bottles, no other opportunities. Continue in the same direction on San Antonio Valley Road. (30M)
Continue on Mt. Hamilton Road to the summit. From Del Puerto, it is about 12M of flat to rolling terrain until you hit Hamilton, then it is 6M and 2300 feet straight up. About 1.5M of that is an 8.6% grade. (48M) Restroom, water fountain and vending machine are the only facilities at the Lick Observatory.
On the descent, Joseph D. Grant County Park is located at the base of Mt. Hamilton, water and restrooms are available.
Left on Alum Rock Ave. (69M)
Right on McKee Road. (69.5M)
Right on White Road/ Piedmont Rd. (Sierra Road has a donut shop in the shopping center to the left). (70.9M)
Continue on Piedmont Road. (73M)
Right on Calaveras Road. (76.9M)
Left on Calaveras Road. (79.5M)
Right on Pleasanton Sunol Road. (Store on the right). (94.5M)
Right on Lewood Dr./ Sunol Blvd./ First St./ Stanley Blvd./ Railroad Ave. (98.6M)
Right on So. Livermore Ave. (107.1)
Finish: Left Nob Hill Parking lot. (108M)
Penitencia Creek, Alum Rock and Mt. Hamilton.
Climbing statistics for Mt. Hamilton. One of the "Triple Crown" climbs, along with Mt. Tam and Mt. Diablo.
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