Four of us headed up onto Mount Hamilton in South San Jose on Aug. 14 – We painted at Joseph Grant County Park. To get there: take Alum Rock Av. Exit off SR 280 in San Jose – head towards the hills and turn right onto Mount Hamilton Road.
Joseph Grant Park is half way up the mountain at about 2000 ft. FABULOUS views of golden hills, black oaks and blue sky. It was really hot the day we went but we were prepared. We found perfect sycamore trees to set up our gear in the shade with this view in front of us! There are NO crowds, clean toilets (really) – and, fresh drinking water nearby. The perfect plein air painting site. You will love it! After painting we explored more places to paint in the park – and discovered many of them. So we will be back for sure.
This is such a lovely spot, it deserves a couple of trips a year in different seasons to explore more possibilities. Tranquil and relaxing. The park entry fee box was “out of service” so it was free:) The park ranger was happy to see us enjoying the landscape and waved and smiled.