Mount Hamilton

Overview: Mount Hamilton is a perfect escape from the sprawl of Silicon Valley. The view on the way up is out of this world, which is fitting, because the scientists at the summit spend lifetimes gleaning knowledge from tiny specks of light in the far reaches of space.

Lick Observatory at the summit (the world's first mountaintop observatory) is a logical goal, but the journey outshines the destination. Though short walks are available at the summit, this is one adventure best experienced on wheels. Whether you drive or ride, it'll be unforgettable.

Tips: The route to the summit is narrow, twisty, full of blind turns and precipitous drop-offs, and a favorite of bicyclists. It's no place to put your new Beemer through its paces.

It's far warmer on the South Bay side of the valley compared to the Santa Cruz Mountains side, though it can be quite cold at the summit. Be ready for temperature extremes.

Don't go to the summit after dark; astronomers work with the telescopes every night and they need the nearby skies to be as dark as possible.


What to bring:
Sunscreen if you plan to hang around at the summit for long.
Layers -- warm days in the valley can be shivering at the summit.
All the energy you can muster if you're thinking of riding your road bike to the top.