Directions & Travel Information

 

 

Lick Observatory Main HallLick Observatory Main Building photo courtesy Verrascina

Directions to Lick Observatory

Lick Observatory is located on the summit of Mt. Hamilton in the Diablo Range east of San Jose. To get there from Interstates 101, 280, 680, take Alum Rock Avenue exit from Interstate 680 north. Turn right onto Alum Rock Avenue. Take another right on Mt. Hamilton Road (California Route 130). Allow about one hour from San Jose, and please drive carefully as the road is good, but winding.

From the east, take Interstate 580 west to Interstate 680 south. Then follow the directions above. Alternatively, you may take take California Route 130 to Mt. Hamilton from the east, but please allow about 1-3/4 hours from Interstate 5 to reach the Observatory. The road is long and winding, but well-maintained. Take the Patterson exit off Interstate 5, and go west on Puerto del Canyon Road (away from Patterson.) At the Junction Cafe, turn left to stay on California Route 130.

Interactive area map here courtesy of Googlemaps
Local maps here
Print local map (pdf): from San Jose

For more details call 408-274-5061 or email giftshop@ucolick.org

 

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For more information, email Paula Towle, ptowle@ucolick.org