After decades of behind-the-scenes advocacy and leveraging over a million dollars in funding, the Ridge Trail is proud to announce that Mt. Umunhum is open to the public for the first time in a generation. Located in the Santa Cruz Mountains and the Ridge Trail’s highest peak on primary trail, Mt. Um opened during a celebration in September of 2017. On a clear day, from this 3,486-foot vista, visitors can admire 360 degree views for nearly 150 miles from the new visitor observation platform. The Midpeninsula Regional Open Space District was the lead partner in the project with key support from the Ridge Trail Council and the Coastal Conservancy. Majority funding came from 2014’s Measure AA Open Space Bond.
The project included:
- Newly constructed 5.3 miles of Ridge Trail—from the top of Mount Umunhum to Bald Mountain.
- ADA accessible parking area complete with bathrooms.
- Native American ceremonial space.
Explore the diverse geologic features of this inspiring landscape and observe the plant and animal life thriving in the challenging weather conditions of Mt. Umunhum.
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