On the Fall Equinox, I decided to celebrate with a short but fun hike around Gavilan Peak (Hawks Peak in English, Fremont Peak in California State Park lingo). The parking lot in Fremont Peak State Park is a quick, winding drive up San Juan Canyon from my camp. Sunny and pleasant weather convinced me to go today, knowing the rest of the week will be hotter than normal. The initial reward was this view from the trail on the way to the peak.
Along the trail are outcrops of ancient marble and dolomite, metamorphosed seafloor sediments that were rafted northwest atop Santa Lucia granite by movement along the San Andreas Fault. The afternoon lighting works best to see the marble, both in these outcrops and in seams of old mine shafts near the trail.
Rounding the mountain, you can see the Salinas Valley unfold before you, plus long views of Monterey Bay. Note: this is a really good place to watch the sunset! Continuing around the mountain, switchbacks provide different angles of these features, plus expansive panoramas to the southeast of the San Andreas and the Diablo Range.
This hike is quick and easy, only a little bit longer if you decide to scramble to the very top. I like to do it three or four times a year as the seasons change, preferably at varying times of day. That way it doesn't get old and I get to see things in a new light. Great fun!
Jim
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