Fremont Peak State Park facts for kids
Fremont Peak State Park is a fantastic place to visit in California! It's a special park managed by the California Department of Parks and Recreation. You can find it in both Monterey County and San Benito County.
The park is located at the very top of Fremont Peak. This peak is part of the Gabilan Range mountains. It stands tall at about 3,169 feet (966 meters) high. The park itself covers 162 acres (66 hectares) and was created in 1934.
Quick facts for kids Fremont Peak State Park |
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Sunset view from Fremont Peak State Park
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 Fremont Peak State Park
Location in California
Fremont Peak State Park
Location in the United States
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| Location | Gabilan Range, Monterey County, San Benito County California |
| Nearest city | San Juan Bautista, California |
| Area | 162 acres (66 ha) |
| Established | 1934 |
| Governing body | California Department of Parks and Recreation |
Contents
Amazing Views from Fremont Peak
One of the best things about Fremont Peak State Park is the incredible views! From the hiking trails, you can see far out over Monterey Bay. You can even spot the huge Pacific Ocean in the distance.
Looking in other directions, you'll see the beautiful San Benito Valley and the Salinas Valley. The Santa Lucia Mountains are also visible, especially those east of Big Sur. It's a perfect spot for taking cool photos!
Animals and Plants of the Park
The park is covered with lovely pine trees and California oak woodlands. These types of forests are part of the California chaparral and woodlands area. This means the park is a natural home for many different kinds of animals and plants.
You might spot many birds flying around. There are also various mammals living here. Keep an eye out for deer, rabbits, and maybe even some squirrels!
Fun Things to Do at Fremont Peak
Fremont Peak State Park is a great place for outdoor adventures. There are many hiking trails where you can explore the park's natural beauty. You can also enjoy a meal at the picnic areas.
If you want to stay longer, the park has 22 campsites. These are perfect for both tents and RVs. It's a wonderful way to spend a night under the stars!
Fremont Peak Observatory
The Fremont Peak Observatory is a special place in the park. It opened in 1986 and has been helping people look at the stars every summer since. The observatory has a very powerful 30-inch (760 mm) telescope.
Even though the weather on the mountaintop can be tough, the observatory keeps going. It's an amazing opportunity to learn about space and see distant planets and stars up close.
Fremont Peak Day
Every April, the park hosts a special event called Fremont Peak Day. It's a fun day for everyone! People gather for a picnic and enjoy different activities. It's a great chance to celebrate the park and its history.
Saving Fremont Peak State Park
A few years ago, in 2008, Fremont Peak State Park was almost closed. The governor at the time, Arnold Schwarzenegger, suggested closing 48 California state parks. This was part of a plan to save money.
But don't worry, the closures were stopped! Instead of closing parks, the state decided to cut back on hours and maintenance across all state parks. This helped keep Fremont Peak State Park open for everyone to enjoy.
