Ready for the next sunrise hike? Join Docent Naturalists Catherine Xun, Stephen Buckhout, Mari Aldridge, and Greg Azevedo for an equinox dawn at Mount Umunhum—Part III of a three-season sunrise series. In August, you welcomed summer’s pastels; in December, winter’s stillness. Now witness the vibrant renewal of spring. From Bald Mountain you’ll watch the sun rise, then you’ll drive to the summit for an unforgettable view. Expect a moderately-paced hike with short stops to enjoy the morning light, observe the awakening of fauna and flowers, and share in this peak’s restoration story. (Note: The core program ends around 8:30 a.m. at the Mt. Umunhum summit. This is followed by an optional extension: a one-way, 3.7-mile descent along the Mt. Umunhum Trail down to Bald Mountain on well-graded switchbacks to return to the cars staged at Bald Mountain Parking Area.) Reservations are required and will be accepted on or after March 6 at 12:00 p.m. (Noon) and close March 19 at 2:00 p.m.
Meet at the Jacques Ridge Parking Area near the intersection of Hicks Road and Mt. Umunhum Road in San Jose. Exit Highway 85 at Camden Avenue. (From northbound Hwy. 85 turn left on Branham Avenue and then turn left on Camden Ave. and from southbound Hwy. 85 turn left on Camden Ave.) Travel on Camden Ave. about 1.6 miles. Turn right on Hicks Rd. and travel for about 6.3 miles. Turn right on Mt. Umunhum Rd. The preserve parking lot will be on the right.