Mar 20, 2014
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Etymology Panochita Hill Mariposa Point |
Story | Photos / Slideshow | Maps: 1 2 | GPX | Profile | |
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Masters Hill previously climbed Feb 27, 2010 Yerba BM later climbed Jun 29, 2023 Panochita Hill previously climbed Jan 10, 2009 Peak 2,844ft later climbed Mar 29, 2019 Antler Point later climbed Jun 18, 2023 Mariposa Point later climbed Jun 18, 2023 Peak 2,956ft later climbed Jun 18, 2023 |
The highest point in the park, Peak 2,999ft, is located in the northernmost corner. A nearby feature called Antler Point with a single track trail leading to its summit is to the west and about 10ft lower. Antler Point has an old wooden bench without a back for restful views to the west. The higher point to the east used to have a bench overlooking the Arroyo Honda chasm between Poverty Ridge and Mt. Day, but the bench posts have rotted and the bench fallen on its side. It still has nice views though. A short distance west and below Antler Point are the burnt remains of the Line Shack that had stood on this spot for many decades. The last time I was here a few years ago there was an ongoing effort at restoring the structure. Now, there is just debris.
About a mile south of Antler Point is Peak 2,956ft. A trail runs across its otherwise nondescript summit. From this point it was mostly downhill heading west and then south to close the loop on my ride. An old barn stands in a broad meadow near Grant Lake and the close of the ride. The park is big, one of the largest county parks in the state. There was more than 4,000ft of gain with the 22 miles I road, though I confess to not riding all of those - I pushed the bike up the steepest parts. With mostly blue skies and temperatures in the low 70s, it was a fine day, indeed.
Less fine was the $45 parking ticket I found on my window upon my return. At the start of Mt. Hamilton Rd off Alum Rock Rd is a sign that says Emergency Parking Only Next 8 Miles. I had never given this much attention before, but now I did. The 8 miles conveniently covers the whole of Mt. Hamilton Rd as it bisects the park. Better to pay the entrance fee and park in the park than take your chances.
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