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At its 3,169-foot peak, Fremont Peak State Park features expansive views of Monterey Bay, from its hiking trails in the grasslands of the higher peaks of the Gavilan Range. Other views include the San Benito Valley, Salinas Valley, and the Santa Lucia Mountains east of Big Sur. Pine and oak woodlands in the park are home to many birds and mammals. There are camping and picnic facilities in the park. The park also features an astronomical observatory with a 30-inch telescope, which is open for public programs on selected evenings.
Getting There
The 159-acre park is off of Highway 156, 11-miles south of San Juan Bautista on San Juan Canyon Road. The approach on San Juan Canyon Road is paved, but it winds through canyons and over ridges; trailers or vehicles should not exceed 25 feet in length.
The Day Use Annual Pass is accepted at this park.
The 159-acre park is off of Highway 156, 11-miles south of San Juan Bautista on San Juan Canyon Road. The approach on San Juan Canyon Road is paved, but it winds through canyons and over ridges; trailers or vehicles should not exceed 25 feet in length.
The Day Use Annual Pass is accepted at this park.
Seasons/Climate/Recommended Clothing
The weather here is changeable. Summer temperatures can reach 90 degrees during the day, and at night they can drop to as low as 50 degrees, depending on the fog layer. Winter conditions may include dense fog, ice and occasional snow. Layered clothing is advised.
The weather here is changeable. Summer temperatures can reach 90 degrees during the day, and at night they can drop to as low as 50 degrees, depending on the fog layer. Winter conditions may include dense fog, ice and occasional snow. Layered clothing is advised.
Operating Hours & Contact
The park is open year-round. Day-use hours are from 8am to one-half hour after sunset.
Observatory Programs are offered from April through October on moonless Saturday evenings starting at 8pm.
Telephone: 831-623-4255 (park information); 831-623-2465 (observatory)
The park is open year-round. Day-use hours are from 8am to one-half hour after sunset.
Observatory Programs are offered from April through October on moonless Saturday evenings starting at 8pm.
Telephone: 831-623-4255 (park information); 831-623-2465 (observatory)
Camping & Activities
Visitors and campers can picnic and bird watch among the pine and oak woodlands, or walk along four miles of moderate trails.
Twenty oak-shaded primitive campsites with views of Monterey Bay are available first-come, first-served, though they can also be reserved.
Make Campground Reservations
Guided nature walks sometimes occur during spring, summer and early fall. Be sure to bring plenty of drinking water.
Astronomical observatory programs are also offered. It is best to arrive before sundown as vehicle headlights after sunset disrupt astronomers' night vision. Clouds or rain will cancel astronomy programs. Call the park for weather and program updates before you go. For more information, visit the Fremont Peak Observatory Association website.
Visitors and campers can picnic and bird watch among the pine and oak woodlands, or walk along four miles of moderate trails.
Twenty oak-shaded primitive campsites with views of Monterey Bay are available first-come, first-served, though they can also be reserved.
Make Campground Reservations
Guided nature walks sometimes occur during spring, summer and early fall. Be sure to bring plenty of drinking water.
Astronomical observatory programs are also offered. It is best to arrive before sundown as vehicle headlights after sunset disrupt astronomers' night vision. Clouds or rain will cancel astronomy programs. Call the park for weather and program updates before you go. For more information, visit the Fremont Peak Observatory Association website.
Tips & Rules
-Parents are asked to supervise children around the telescopes.
-Do not touch any part of any telescope, especially glass optical surfaces, unless the owner instructs you on proper methods.
-If you use a flashlight, cover the end of it with a piece of red cellophane wrapped with a rubber band to hold it in place.
-Parents are asked to supervise children around the telescopes.
-Do not touch any part of any telescope, especially glass optical surfaces, unless the owner instructs you on proper methods.
-If you use a flashlight, cover the end of it with a piece of red cellophane wrapped with a rubber band to hold it in place.
Accessible Features
Camping: Accessible tent camping and accessible non-flush toilets are located in each loop of this primitive campground. There are no showers in the campground, which is open from March 1 through November 30.
Make Campground Reservations
Picnic Area: Day-use is available year-round from dawn to dusk and includes accessible picnic sites and group picnicking, with accessible non-flush restrooms nearby.
Camping: Accessible tent camping and accessible non-flush toilets are located in each loop of this primitive campground. There are no showers in the campground, which is open from March 1 through November 30.
Make Campground Reservations
Picnic Area: Day-use is available year-round from dawn to dusk and includes accessible picnic sites and group picnicking, with accessible non-flush restrooms nearby.
Trails
Summary
Difficulty
Distance
Fremont Peak State Park Trails
360 degree view of Monterey Bay, San Benito Valley, Salinas Valley, and the Santa Lucia Mountains east of Big Sur.
360 degree view of Monterey Bay, San Benito Valley, Salinas Valley, and the Santa Lucia Mountains east of Big Sur.
Moderate
1.1 mi
1.8 km
1.8 km
Guides
360 degree view of Monterey Bay, San Benito Valley, Salinas Valley, and the Santa Lucia Mountains east of Big Sur.
Community Trips
