Mount Hamilton Loop: Great Northern California Rides

Mount Hamilton, California

The Mount Hamilton Loop is a favorite among San Jose residents and visitors who ride motorcycles. Although the route will only take about three hours, with so much to do and see, you can easily make a day of it.

Whether you live near San Jose and want to get out of the city for a few hours or are visiting and want to see some natural views outside of the city limits, the Mount Hamilton Loop is a great opportunity to escape the bustle of the city for a day.

The Route

Prepare for a day out of town, and be sure to fill up on gas before leaving the city. You’ll find very few gas stations, so you don’t want to get stranded.

Once you’re ready, start your trip by taking CA-130 E to Observatory Peak Road. Here you can stop at the Lick Observatory or keep on CA-130 E until it merges into Mines Road toward Livermore. Keep on Mines Road for 33 miles until you reach Livermore.

In Livermore, take a left on Tesla Rd., then merge onto S Livermore Ave. Make a left on Concannon, a left onto Holmes, and merge onto Vallecitos. From Vallecitos, take CA-84 W for 21 miles. Merge onto I-680 S/I-280 N toward San Jose.

The route totals about 100 miles, depending on your exact starting point and how many stops you make. Featuring twists, turns, switchbacks, elevation changes, and more, this ride is fun for riders of all levels.

The Sights

The views at many points of the Mount Hamilton Loop are stunning, particularly from the top of the peak. Don’t miss an opportunity to watch sunsets or stargaze from Jupiter’s Bluff or Mount Hamilton.

The terrain along the route includes mountains reaching up to 4,600 feet and valleys with forests, scrubs, cliffs, farms, towns, and cities.

You can also take several detours along the way to stretch your legs and snap some photos, including the Del Valle Regional Park, Blue Oak Ranch Reserve, and more.

The Attractions

The Lick Observatory features several telescopes and exhibits, as well as breathtaking views of the valley below from an altitude of approximately 4,200 feet.

Stop for a tour through Livermore for several winery options. Some wineries only open on weekends, so try to plan your visits as part of your ride itinerary and book a tour early for popular wineries.

The Eats

The only places for dining along the Mount Hamilton Loop are in the cities and towns on the north and west sides of the route. Livermore offers an assortment of dining options at or near their wineries. San Jose, Fremont, and the Bay Area offer a range of cuisines, including Mexican, Middle Eastern, Greek, Italian, Japanese, Thai, Chinese, Indian, vegan, seafood, and more.

Be aware that prices can be much higher around the tech towns like Cupertino, Mountain View, and Sunnyvale. If you want to save a few dollars on dining, visit the downtown area along First Street in Livermore before heading back to San Jose.

Trust the Ride with Law Tigers at Your Side in Northern California

We hope you plan a ride around the Mount Hamilton Loop on your next visit to San Jose, CA. Be sure to always keep our number on your contact list. At Law Tigers, we’re lawyers who ride. We help motorcycle riders around the country pursue justice in cases of motorcycle accidents. We also handle personal injury and wrongful death cases involving motorcycle accidents.

Call us at Law Tigers today at 1-888-863-7216 for a free case evaluation. Never leave home without your free rider benefit card, which includes several additional benefits for legal advice, rewards, repair or replacement assistance, and more.