Mount Umunhum Opening To The Public For First Time On Monday

From the Midpenninsula Regional Open Space: The Midpeninsula Regional Open Space District opens the summit of Mount Umunhum to the public for the first time on Monday, September 18. The prominent peak, located within the Sierra Azul Open Space Preserve in the South Bay, is one of the highest points in the region. The mountaintop will be open daily, free of charge, for visitors to experience panoramic views, new trails and a rich natural and cultural history.

“We’re thrilled to invite the community to create Mount Umunhum’s next chapter as one of the Bay Area’s great publicly accessible peaks and nature destinations,” said Midpen’s General Manager Steve Abbors. “Thank you to the voters who passed Measure AA making it possible to restore and share this remarkable place.”

In 2009, the federal government provided $3.2 million to clean up contaminants and the remnants of a Cold War-era Air Force station atop Mount Umunhum. Midpen began working with the public on a plan to make the peak accessible to all. In 2014, the passage of Measure AA by local voters in support of public open space provided an estimated $16.6 million of the project funds needed to restore and open the mountaintop. The California Coastal Conservancy and the Bay Area Ridge Trail Council also contributed $1 million, with the remaining funds coming from the District general fund.

The once-flattened peak has been reshaped to its original contours and native plant restoration is underway. New road surfaces, parking areas, trails, stairways, shelters and paths provide ADA-accessible access to nature and reveal spectacular vistas. Interpretive signs connect visitors with the mountain’s stories about native Californians, miners and the military as well as its diversity of plants and animals unique to the Santa Cruz Mountains.

“Restoring Mount Umunhum sustains not only the amazing species that live here, but all of us, who benefit in so many ways from a healthy natural environment and opportunities to connect with nature,” said Abbors.

More details about the project, suggestions for an enjoyable visit and directions can be found at www.mountumunhum.org.

Images via Midpenninsula Open Space District