Fremont Peak Hike

The Monterey Bay is a beautiful and majestic stretch of California coastline. The sunrises and sunsets, unique weather patterns, and intricate geography make this area almost like a storybook. There are many lookouts where you can see this for yourself, but Fremont Peak is the best, hands down.

At 3,169 feet above sea level, you not only have a view of the entire Monterey Bay to the west, the Gabilan Mountains roll as far as the eye can see to the east. This is perhaps the reason John Fremont choose this peak in particular, as it has great military potential as a look out. As a captain for the Army Corps of Topographical Engineers, Fremont scouted this area for U.S. military advantage. Unfortunately for him, it was already owned by Spain, and he was eventually forced to leave. An historical landmark can be found on the peak where he raised a U.S. flag.

Reaching this peak is pretty straightforward, as the trail starts from the parking lot and ascends from there. You start off going up the access road to the communication towers near the peak, and the trail starts shortly after the dedication plaque to John Fremont. You can simply keep following this road and reach the top, or you can take the trail and get some great views along the way.

The trail gradually climbs through patches of manzanita brush and over a few boulders. This route mainly hugs the north side of the peak and eventually loops around to the west side where you will make your approach to the top. While you must free climb the last leg of the hike to the top, the terrain isn't too challenging.

You know you're at the top when you reach the flagpole that represents John Fremont’s march to the peak. The views from here speak for themselves, as you can see everything from Monterey to Santa Cruz and beyond.