Contact Information
2211 Garden Road
Monterey, CA 93940
831-649-2836
Fremont Peak State Park (elevation 3,169 feet) features expansive views of the Monterey Bay from its hiking trails in the grasslands of the higher peaks of the Gavilan Range. Other views include the San Benito Valley, Salinas Valley, and the Santa Lucia Mountains east of Big Sur. The park also features an astronomical observatory which is open for public programs on selected evening. Pine and oak woodlands in the park are home to many birds and small animals. There are picnic facilities in the park.Camping Information - Primitive sites - no showers - no trailers or RVs. Please contact the park directly for detailed camping availability.
Fremont Peak has ten primitive family campsites and 40 picnic sites, each with table and stove; pit toilets and water are nearby. During the summer, campers enjoy informal campfire programs and nature hikes. Two of the park's six group camps, which will accommodate up to 50 people, can be reserved at Ticketron outlets; the remaining four must be reserved through the park supervisor. The group picnic area is first-come-first-served.
Astronomical Observing
A few courtesies that will enhance your experience: Do not touch any of the telescopes unless the owner instructs you on the proper method. In particular, avoid touching any glass optical surfaces. Please be sure children are supervised around telescopes.
Dress warm! Even summer nights can be quite cold.
Have a red filter over any light source. Red light does not bother night vision as much as other colors or white light. A piece of red "cellophane" wrapped over the end of a flashlight will work great.
Please consider dimming your vehicle's headlights when driving into the observing areas. Its best to arrive before sundown if you are unfamiliar with the area. In general, astronomers are friendly, outgoing, and happy to allow you to view through their telescope and answer questions.
Climate in the Central Coast varies greatly with elevation and the amount of coastal influence. Areas with more coastal influence experience moderate temperatures year round with fog likely from June through mid-August. Plan your coastal visit in the late summer or fall to ensure the best conditions for viewing the scenery. Also, occasional clear days between winter and spring storms are incomparable. Areas further inland experience greater temperature extremes, with relatively cooler winters and hot summers. Inland areas often receive frost on winter nights. As throughout most of California most of the precipitation comes in the winter months, with April through October normally very dry.
