more stats
2,293 ft
Distance
85 ft
Climb
-35 ft
Descent
1,889 ft
High Point
49 ft
Altitude change
1,805 ft
Altitude min
1,805 ft
Altitude start
1,854 ft
Altitude end
2.1%
Grade
-6.4%
Grade max
21.2%
Grade min
994 ft
Distance climb
1,093 ft
Distance down
207 ft
Distance flat

Observatory Road Details

  • Activities
    • Mountain Bike
    • E-Bike
    • Gravel Bike
    • Horse
    • Hike
    • Trail Running
  • Riding Area
    Pacific Union College Forest
    Angwin, California
  • Difficulty Rating
    Access Trail or Doubletrack Rate
  • Local Popularity
    45 in Mountain Biking [+]
    • 40 in E-Biking
    • 95 in Trail Running
    • 95 in Hiking
    • 5 in Horseback
  • Hiking SAC Scale
    T2 Mountain Hiking
  • Trail Type
    Dirt/Gravel Road
  • Bike Type
    AM, XC, Gravel
  • Direction
    Both Directions
  • Climb Difficulty
    Green
  • Physical Rating
    Easy
  • Trail Visibility
    Always easy to follow
  • Family Friendly
    Yes
  • Dogs Allowed
    Yes
  • eBike Allowed
    Yes up to Class 1
  • Ride in Rain
    Yes
  • Land Owner
    Pacific Union College

This service road connects from the main Airport service road down to the East Meadow Road / Mill Valley Road intersection and passes by Stump Field (now vineyard lease) and the Young Observatory operated by Pacific Union College.

In warm months, take caution of the yellow jacket infestation at the peak of the climb. There are walking gates at both the bottom and the top of the hill which are always unlocked

Local Trail Association
Traditionally Indigenous Territory

Recent Activity on Trail

Past Week
  • 1 rides
  • 4 miles average
6 Months
  • 3 rides
  • 6 miles avg distance
All
  • 38 rides
  • Last: Aug 13, 2026
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Observatory Road Trail Reports

statusdatedescription
Jan 16, 2026 @ 2:11pm (America/Los_Angeles)
Jan 16, 2026
 reporter
Jul 29, 2025 @ 5:05pm
Jul 29, 2025
 reporter
Dec 18, 2024 @ 4:34pm
Dec 18, 2024
 reporter
Nov 16, 2024 @ 8:47am
Nov 16, 2024
 reporter
Nov 16, 2024 @ 8:46am
Nov 16, 2024
 reporter
more »
Status:
on Jan 16, 2026
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Trail Conditions
  • Unknown
  • Snow Groomed
  • Snow Packed
  • Snow Covered
  • Snow Cover Partial
  • Freeze/thaw Cycle
  • Icy
  • Prevalent Mud
  • Wet
  • Variable
  • Ideal
  • Dry
  • Very Dry
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  • Downhill Primary
  • Both Directions
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  • Uphill Only
  • One Direction
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Slope Aspect
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Flat N NE E SE S SW W NW
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        Directions to observatory-road-736708 trailhead (38.578110, -122.427430)

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        Nearby Trails

        Pacific Union College Forest

        • By Spencer_YoungTF Pro PUCF & contributors
        • #736708 - 180 views

        Frequently Asked Questions About Observatory Road

        ▼ Where is Observatory Road located?
        Observatory Road is located in Pacific Union College Forest, Angwin, California, United States. It is part of the Pacific Union College Forest trail network. The trailhead is located at coordinates 38.57811, -122.42743.
        ▼ What is the elevation gain for Observatory Road?
        Observatory Road has 85 ft of elevation gain. The trail has 35 ft of elevation descent. The elevation ranges from 1,805 ft to 1,889 ft.
        ▼ Is Observatory Road a point to point trail?
        Observatory Road is not a point to point trail. The direction is Both Directions. The trail type is dirt/gravel road.
        ▼ How long is Observatory Road?
        Observatory Road is 2,293 ft long. The trail type is dirt/gravel road.
        ▼ Are dogs allowed on Observatory Road?
        Yes, dogs are allowed on Observatory Road. Please keep dogs on a leash where required and clean up after them.
        ▼ How do I access Observatory Road? Where is the closest parking trailhead?
        The closest parking and trailhead locations to Observatory Road are: View all parking locations in the area.
        ▼ How busy is Observatory Road?
        Observatory Road is a moderately popular trail. There have been 168 recorded activities on this trail. The trail has received 169 check-ins. View recent activity on this trail.

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