fremont peak state park

Hike is moderate, not wheelchair accessible up to the peak.Trails are maintained and free of litter. You can see the Monterey Bay from the top and all of the surrounding vallys and farmlands

We went to this campground for the special observatory events where members of the Fremont Peak Observatory Club set up multiple observation telescopes to share viewing of the galaxy with the public. The members are very nice and accommodating, giving both children and adults a great opportunity to learn and see more about the various star systems and satellites. We viewed the sun where there were very few people there, and went back at night when it was very crowded. We enjoyed both of those events, even if it was a bit unorganized compared to what we had expected (we missed the lecture because it was unannounced and too crowded in the small room when we did find it). We were a bit more disappointed with the campground in general, as the pit toilets were pretty gross and seemed to need more chemicals in them. We had a beautiful site, but avoid the handicap site unless it is extremely necessary...it is actually on the path to the bathroom, and you will feel very awkward camping on the path to the restroom (I mean actually ON THE PATH...that is where you sit and the path is between your tent and the table and fire pit.) We were not allowed to have fires due to high fire danger, but we had fun otherwise. We were glad to have visited, but probably will not go back.If you are interested in the observatory programs, check the website, as they are only on certain nights. There is great star-gazing on your own anytime it is not too cloudy.

On a recent trip to the Montery Peninsula, my husband and I took a side trip to this park. Its a winding road going there, but the scenery is lovely. At the top are beautiful views, a picnic area with plenty of tables, and a campground. Although we did'nt camp there, I can see where is would be pretty, breezy and quiet.A plaque at the top explains the history of the park, and from what we heard, on certain Saturdays the observatory is open for viewing the stars after dark.If interested pick up a folder at the State Park office in San Juan Bautista, whick is on the way to the park. I've also written a review on it and it is definitely worth seeing. See "San Juan Bautista State Historical Park, San Juan Bautista, California.

We took our 3 kids out for an overnight camping trip to Fremont Peak State Park. The adventure really starts when leaving the highway at San Juan Bautista. What a great drive, with fantastic views. Also had a couple of turkey vultures soaring practically next to our car while driving over a ridge. The campground is pretty basic, but does the job. We hiked around a bit, and checked out the observatory, which was closed. After early dinner we headed up to Fremont Peak to try and catch sunset. The view from the trail was amazing: low hanging ocean clouds above Monterey Bay (see photo). The last bit to the top is a bit of a rock scramble, very exciting for the kids, and the 360 view is amazing. All in all I'd highly recommend a visit to this park.

It may be "a long and winding road" to get to the top of Fremont Peak, but is is absolutely worth every mile. Fremont Peak was originally known as Hawk's Peak until General Fremont retreated (the term is open to debate) up there during the to-and-fro operations between the California's original settlers and the Americans.

A fairly easy hike with a great reward at the top! For how short this hike is, it has the reward of a 360-degree view once you get to the peak. A bit of a scramble over some tricky rocks to get to the actual top, but worth the effort.

It's a bit of a drive (11 miles) from San Juan Bautista to the park, but it's a pleasant drive past a few horse ranches and farms.Once you reach the park be prepared to self-pay by putting money into the envelope and writing your car information on it. The envelopes are there, but no pen, and you need the exact amount ($6.00 for a car, $5 if you're over 62 years old). The hike to the peak isn't very strenuous, but there are a couple of short spots at the end where you need to use caution as you'll be climbing over rocks which can be a bit slippery. Watch for the shiny quartz rocks - those are the slippery ones. The hike up and back takes about 45-60 minutes.We also did the valley view trail, another 45 minutes, and also a fairly easy walk. Not much to see, but it's a nice walk through the trees.There are a couple of more trails, but we didn't do them as it was getting late. If you want to walk all 4 trails plan on about 3 or 4 hours.Take water and a picnic lunch - make a day of it. Great views from the top of the peak.Watch out for poison oak - it's all over the place.

Our review: If you don't like to rough it, and I mean really rough it, then go ahead and come here. But if you like a clean bathroom and shower each day, don't come! Overgrown with weeds and flies everywhere. No one in sight. Quite possibly the hardest place to get here on planet earth. Will only return if the Zombies attack because this is the last place the zombies would ever come!

Locted 11 miles up a steep hilly two-lane road, Fremont Peak State park offers miles of views, stretching from California's Central Valley inland, all the way west to the far blue Pacific where it meets the horizon. Hawks, deer, fox and raccoons, make up the wildlife at this California State Park, located just a short drive outside tiny, historic San Juan Bautista. It was at this 3,169' peak that young Brevet Captain and cartographer, John C. Fremont in 1846 held off the Mexican army garrisoned at San Juan Bautista and ran up the American flag, claiming the area for the United States of America. His problem was, Mexico wasn't quite ready to cede the territory and wouldn't be doing so for more than another year. After some diplomatic wrangling between Commandante Castro of the Mexican forces and John Larkin, US Consul at Monterey, Fremont was persuaded to come down the hill and quietly depart, retreating as he put it "slowly and growlingly" with his small band of men over Pacheco Pass into the Central Valley. Today a lone flagpole flying the Stars and Stripess sits atop the boulder-strewn peak, along with an historic marker pointing out the spot where Fremont's brazen deed was done. Here, besides hiking and camping, an observatory is seasonally open. Vistas in winter can stretch eastward all the way to the snow capped sierra. For more information on things to see and do in the area, visit my website. by Elizabeth Barratt