A Peek at a Fremont Peak View

The view. That’s the reason--and just about the only reason--travelers go so far out of their way to visit Fremont Peak State Park.

From atop 3,169-foot Fremont Peak, hikers are treated to a tremendous panorama of San Benito Valley, Monterey Bay and the rugged Santa Lucia Mountains that back Big Sur.

The park also offers two more views: One is a glimpse into history and the part Capt. John Charles Fremont played in the drama of California’s struggle for statehood.

Another view from the park is into the heavens. Fremont Peak Observatory houses a 30-inch reflecting telescope, one of the largest telescopes available for public use. The park provides information about astronomy programs held during the spring, summer and early fall viewing seasons.

In March, 1846, Fremont and his men were camped near Monterey, then the capital of the Mexican province of Alta California. Mexican military leaders demanded that the Americans leave the territory. Fremont not only refused but planted the American flag atop the tallest peak in the area and built a small fort nearby.

A war of nerves ensued before Fremont and his men finally broke camp. The incident reflects the kind of tension and jockeying for position between the rebellious Americans and the Mexican government in the years prior to the Bear Flag Revolt and California’s entry into the Union.

Fremont ultimately returned to California as military governor for a short time. His colorful career included a short stint as a U.S. senator from California, a run for the presidency in 1856 as the first presidential nominee of the infant Republican Party and service as a general in the Civil War.

Before Fremont’s name was attached to the mountain, it was known as Gabilan Peak from the Spanish word for hawk. The state parks department acquired the peak in 1936.

Fremont Peak’s northern slope is cloaked with manzanita, toyon and scrub oak, while the exposed southern slope is covered with knee-high grass that is bright green and dotted with wildflowers in spring, and golden brown in summer. Soaring above the tops of Coulter pine and madrono on the upper ridges are eagles, hawks and turkey vultures. More than a hundred species of bird have been sighted in the park.

In light of Fremont’s talent as an explorer, trailblazer, naturalist and map maker (he was captain of the U.S. Topographic Engineers) the state park’s trail system is disappointing--both by its extent (barely a mile of trail) and its condition (usually mediocre).

Nevertheless, the grand view is reason enough for a walk in this off-the-beaten-path park. (Another good reason is the chance for motorists to stretch their legs en route via U.S. 101 from Los Angeles to San Francisco.)

For a nice day, combine this short hike with a walking tour of San Juan Bautista State Historic Park, which features adobes, the original town plaza, Mission San Juan Bautista and the old Plaza Hotel, a stage stop.

Directions to trail head: From U.S. 101 north of Salinas and south of Gilroy, exit on California 156. From the outskirts of San Juan Bautista, take the signed turnoff for the state park (San Juan Canyon Road) and travel 11 miles to road’s end at Fremont Peak State Park. Park in the uppermost lot.

The hike: You’ll see both a road and a trail beginning from the parking lot. The half-mile trail, signed with a hiker’s symbol, does not go to the peak but instead, dips into and then climbs out of a ravine, before switchbacking up to the park’s observatory.

Walk up the road for a short distance, then join the signed Peak Trail, a footpath that contours around the mountain. Enjoy the view of Monterey Bay, as the path climbs to a saddle and meets a short summit trail that ascends to rocky Fremont Peak.

After taking in the view, return via the road, which passes by a communications facility before returning you back to the trail head.

(BEGIN TEXT OF INFOBOX / INFOGRAPHIC)

Fremont Peak Trail

WHERE: Fremont Peak State Park.

DISTANCE: 1 mile round trip.

TERRAIN: Steep mountaintop, pine and oak woodlands.

HIGHLIGHTS: Grand views of surrounding countryside and Monterey Bay; favorite spot for amateur astronomers.

DEGREE OF DIFFICULTY: Easy.

PRECAUTION: Poison oak along trail.

FOR MORE INFORMATION: Fremont Peak State Park, P.O. Box 1110, San Juan Bautista, CA 95045; tel. (408) 623-4255.