Mount Umunhum
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| Mount Umunhum | |
|---|---|
 Mount Umunhum from the Northeast |
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| Elevation | 3,486 feet (1,063 metres) |
| Location | California, United States |
| Range | Santa Cruz Mountains |
| Coordinates | |
| Topo map | USGS Los Gatos |
| Type | Sedimentary rock |
| Age of rock | Oligocene |
| First ascent | Unknown |
| Easiest route | Road (restricted access) |
Mount Umunhum (Ohlone, possibly meaning hummingbird resting place) is the second highest peak in the Santa Cruz Mountains of California (after Loma Prieta Peak). The mountain is located in Santa Clara County, east of Los Gatos and south of South San Jose. The peak can be easily recognized in the South Bay Area by the large concrete box that sits atop the summit.
The summit of Mount Umunhum is the site of the former Almaden Air Force Station, an early warning radar station that operated from 1958 - 1980. Most of the mountain is located in the Sierra Azul Open Space Preserve, managed by the Midpeninsula Regional Open Space District, although the summit is closed to the public due to lead and asbestos contamination of the former Air Force site, as well as access issues with local property owners.
Even though the mountain is off limits, some make the risky ascent to the top for the adventure. Hikers are routinely arrested in the attempt, and those who are found on the grounds of the old Air Force base may face an additional fine. Due to the area's restricted nature, many rumors about its residents have spawned in the local hiking community.
[edit] External links
- Maps and aerial photos
- WikiSatellite view at WikiMapia
- Topographic map from TopoZone
- Aerial image from TerraServer-USA
- Surrounding area map from Google Maps
- Location in the United States from the Census Bureau
- Mount Umunhum on Summitpost.org
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