Mount Hamilton, San Francisco Bay Area, California, United States

© Jeffrey Lewis/TANDEM Stills + Motio

Twists and turns of Mount Hamilton. Mount Hamilton, San Francisco Bay Area, California, United States

Drive up Mount Hamilton in the Bay Area, California, United States, and immerse yourself in stunning views and rich history. The 19-mile Mount Hamilton Road is part of State Route 130. It is loved by cyclists and motorcyclists for its long climbs and sparse traffic. The road, built in 1875-76, was designed to transport materials to the Lick Observatory, the world's first permanently occupied mountaintop observatory. At the summit, standing at 1,300 metres, you can see as far as Yosemite National Park or the Sierra Nevada on a clear day.

Several precious species are endemic to this area, such as the Hamilton jewelflower and the tule elk. On the slopes of the mountain, you might encounter golden eagle nesting sites. Whether you're drawn to the thrill of the winding road or the views, Mount Hamilton will connect you with nature.