Hikers in Russian Ridge Open Space Preserve / photo by Lanette Otvos

Sentinel in the Sky

December 15, 2024
1:00 pm - 3:00 pm
Sierra Azul Preserve
Approximate Total Miles
0.25

What was it like living and working at the Almaden Air Force Station on Mt. Umunhum during the Cold War? Join retired Midpen Ranger (and now Docent Naturalist) Ken Miller and Umunhum Conservancy President Basim Jaber for a leisurely-paced walk while learning about daily life at this small remote community located on a high peak in the Santa Cruz Mountains. You’ll walk for approximately ¼ mile including up and down 159 steps.

Where to Meet

Meet at the Mt. Umunhum Summit Parking Area at the top of Mt. Umunhum Road. Exit Highway 85 at Camden Avenue. (From Southbound Hwy. 85 turn left on Camden Ave. From northbound Hwy. 85 turn left on Branham Avenue, then left on Camden Ave.) Travel on Camden Ave. about 1.6 miles. Turn right on Hicks Road and travel for about 6.3 miles. Turn right on Mt. Umunhum Road and travel for 5.3 miles to the preserve parking lot on the left.

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