Mt. Hamilton Road is a Californian drive with 365 curves
Usa, north-america
31 km
1,282 m
moderate
Year-round
Okay, picture this: You're cruising along Mt. Hamilton Road in Santa Clara County, California, ready for an epic mountain adventure. This isn't just any road; it's a 19-mile (31 km) ribbon of asphalt that some say boasts 365 curves - one for every single day of the year!
This stretch is actually part of California State Route 130, and it's completely paved, but don't let that fool you. It's a twisty, turny challenge, climbing up to Mount Hamilton at a whopping 4,206ft (1,282m) above sea level. And guess what's waiting up there? The historic Lick Observatory! Watch out for cyclists sharing the road as you make your ascent.
Fun fact: this route was built way back in 1875-76 to haul materials up to the observatory. The grade isn't too steep, but the road is narrow in spots, with some pretty tight curves thrown in for good measure.
Perched high in the Diablo Range, Mt. Hamilton can get chilly. Pack a sweater, especially if you're heading up during the colder months. It even snows up there sometimes!
But the views? Totally worth it. You'll be treated to incredible panoramas of San Jose and the Santa Clara Valley spread out below. Just remember to fill up the tank and grab some snacks before you go – there are no services once you leave San Jose. On a clear day from the summit, you can even catch a glimpse of the majestic Sierra Nevada. Trust me, this drive is spine-tingling!
Where is it?
Mt. Hamilton Road is a Californian drive with 365 curves is located in Usa (north-america). Coordinates: 38.0866, -100.6296
Road Details
- Country
- Usa
- Continent
- north-america
- Length
- 31 km
- Max Elevation
- 1,282 m
- Difficulty
- moderate
- Coordinates
- 38.0866, -100.6296
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