MOUNT UMUNHUM SIERRA AZUL Open Space Preserve

MOUNT UMUNHUM - SIERRA AZUL 

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Mount Umunhum, located within the 18,000 acre Sierra Azul Open Space Preserve in Santa Clara County, is one of the highest peaks in the Santa Cruz mountain range at 3,486 feet. From its spectacular summit, visitors can experience 360-degree views from the Pacific to the Sierra Nevada! This new open space destination also offers a rich nature experience that is accessible to visitors of all abilities, as well as unique opportunities to:

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Learn about Mount Umunhum’s significance to the Native American community,and the opportunity to connect to the mountain in your own way at the summit Ceremonial Space

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Discover the Radar Tower, once a key part of the west coast’s air defense system, up close

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Find your favorite spot in Silicon Valley from the Summit Shelter and Viewpoint

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Ascend to the peak on one of the mountain’s many accessible paths and enjoy the East Summit Viewpoint

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Watch as the mountain’s incredible biodiversity, from tiny rock garden flowers to towering grey pines, recovers on the restored landscape.

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Mt. Umunhum Trail Profile

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Trail Entry Point: The Mt. Umunhum trailhead is located at the Bald Mountain parking area. The Trail can also be accessed via Barlow Road from Woods Trail.

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Bald Mountain Parking Area Elevation: 2,336 feet.

Mount Umunhum Summit Elevation: 3,486 feet.

Total Elevation Gain: 1,150 feet of continuous gain at an average of approximately 6% grade.

Total Length: 3.7 miles; multi-use - 3.5 miles, hiking only (at Summit) - 0.2 miles.

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The gorgeous Mt. Umunhum Trail passes through dense mixed chaparral scrub dominated by shrub species including chamise, big berry manzanita, birch leafed mountain mahogany, and poison oak. With elevation gain, the trail passes through Knobcone Pine Woodland, and eventually enters the Coastal Woodlands habitat dominated by coast live oak, foothill pine, California bay, interspersed with Pacific madrone. The majority of the trail – approximately the upper 3.0 miles – is enjoyed under the cool canopy of these trees. Eventually the trail emerges near the top onto steep terrain dominated by cliffs and rocky outcrops including serpentine boulders. Due to the thin soil layer developed on the serpentine bedrock, a low moisture-holding capacity and a unique chemical composition, the serpentine areas support numerous endemic plant species, including rare flowering plants that continue to reveal themselves each spring.

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The Mt. Umunhum Trail can also be accessed via Barlow Road from Woods Trail, part of the Bay Area Ridge Trail.

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