Fremont Peak State Park Trails

Overview: The trail starts off by going up the service road a few feet, and cuts off to the right. The trail is very nicely up-kept, and is wide enough for two people. The loop is fairly short and only takes about thirty minutes to complete. The trail gets fairly steep at the end and can prove challenging for some people. For the less eager there is a great resting spot with a view south toward Salinas, a wooden bridge and a bench looking out south. In the summer heat, refuge can be found in the shade of the alcove behind the bench and north of the bridge.

Tips: Getting to Fremont State Park is an adventure in itself. The actual park is located some 11 miles south of San Juan Bautista. To get there turn off of Highway 156 onto San Juan Canyon Road. Follow the signs to the left and follow the road for 11 miles. The drive takes about 25 to 30 minutes depending on how fast traffic is moving.

Watch for turkey vultures as they soar above canyons in search of food. Other wildlife includes coyotes, snakes, deer, bobcats, raccoon, and even the occasional fox!

At night the observatory occasionally opens up to the public and visitors can see the stars from the 30-inch observatory telescope.

The peak is 3169 feet above sea level and gets its current name from Army Captain John C. Fremont when he built a strategic fort on top of the mountain in 1846.

Camping is available to the public at a first come first serve basis but you can make reservations ahead of time to ensure a site is saved for you. There are three main campgrounds, Valley View Campground, Oak Point Campground, and Doe Flat group campground. There is one flush toilet near the entrance of the park, and plenty of non-flush toilets litter the park.