Patterson to San Jose via Mount Hamilton

Patterson, population 11,606, claims to be the "Apricot Capital of the World". Driving Highway 5, I had seen the exit sign for the town a dozen miles south of 580, but never found the time to stop. It turns out that Patterson is named after John D. Patterson, who purchased 13,340 acres in the area for the sum of $5,400 in 1866. Downtown Patterson features a few historical buildings of the period, and hosts the annual Apricot Fiesta the first weekend of June. Hurry up; it may not be too late to catch it. Of more obvious interest to Porsche drivers is State Route 130, which connects Patterson to San Jose over the Diablo Range .

As you exit Interstate 5, go west and immediately turn right onto Del Puerto Canyon Road . Del Puerto is the original name of the Mexican land grant, and as soon as Highway 5 disappears in the rear view mirror, you are projected 150 years back. The ranch lands do not seem to have changed much since the days of Governor Micheltorena, but for the ribbon of asphalt. Three miles after the turnoff, the road enters the canyon of Del Puerto Creek, and the fun begins. The road is narrow and in reasonable shape. Watch out for cattle guards, some are in the apex of a turn, and most are not level with the road surface. The oaks are green and healthy thanks to recent winter rains, but black trunks on the hills still show the signs of fires past. At mile 16, you reach Frank Raines Park , a pretty good place for a picnic. Further west, the canyon narrows sharply, the curves tighten and second gear is often required. As the road climbs, the pavement is not in very good shape, but the quality improves once you reach the Santa Clara County line.

At mile 25, you arrive at The Junction, the only source of food and drink on this trip. The house specialties are grease burgers, Frito Lays and Coke. The bathrooms are functional. Long before the joint became the favorite stop of sports car drivers and motorcycle riders alike, De Anza's expedition came through in 1776 and called the area El Cañada de San Vincente.

At The Junction, you could turn right and go back to Livermore, 31 miles away, but it's more fun to turn left onto San Antonio Valley Road towards San Jose. The road is nice and wide, and it is possible to go well over 35 miles an hour. But be alert, this is open range country; which means that the cattle are not fenced in. If you hit a cow, you have to pay for the repairs to your Porsche, and for the cow. Them beasts can be pricey! Watch out, too, for the occasional pig.  

Soon, the first switchback around Sugarloaf Mountain offers a prelude to what is to come, and after crossing a small creek, you'll start to climb up the east side of Mount Hamilton at mile 38. The orange reflectors on the double yellow sink into the road, because this is where the snow plowing starts in the winter. What follows is 5 miles of twists, turns, and first gear switches that take you to the ridge, along Copernicus Peak, and ultimately to the Lick Observatory at the top of Mount Ham, 2000 feet above the creek. The view from the observatory parking lot is definitely worth a stop and a Kodak moment. On a clear day, you can see from the Monterey Peninsula to Mount Tamalpais , north of San Francisco . The observatory is open every day from 12:30 to 5:00, 10:00 to 5:00 on Saturdays and Sundays. You can visit the 26-inch telescope, see a live seismograph recording the movements of the earth's crust and view various exhibits.  

After a short rest, keep going west toward San Jose on Mount Hamilton Road . More tight and twisty stuff, all downhill. The road is quite narrow, and unfortunately the pavement is in fairly bad shape, so take it easy. It can get crowded on the weekends. Enjoy the view if you can, and practice heel and toeing on the downshifts. The bridge at the bottom of the slope signals the end of Mount Hamilton and your arrival at the Joseph D. Grant County Park , the largest park in Santa Clara County , located due east of San Jose . If you remembered to bring a horse along, the park has 52 miles of equestrian trails for you.  

At mile 58, the first houses appear above San Jose , and you get a spectacular view of the Santa Clara Valley . Four miles later, turn left on Alum Rock Avenue , and you are back in civilization, if we can call it that. Highway 680 is just a few traffic lights ahead.  

Did I forget to mention to gas up before you leave? There is not a single gas station between Patterson and San Jose , and practically no cell phone coverage. AAA might take a while to arrive.