Carmel Magazine

Carmel Magazine SP 15

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Starry Nights and Sunny Hikes O n Monterey County's northeastern edge, where the Gabilan Mountains cross the San Benito County border, a small state park overlooks its Carmel and Monterey Peninsula neighbors. Locals might know Fremont Peak from newscasts—it's where several broad- casters and communications providers position their towers—but the park's remote location and unobstructed views make it a favorite for campers, wildlife watchers and stargazers, as well. California was still under Mexican rule when military captain and coastal surveyor John C. Fremont led explorers through the Salinas Valley in 1846. When the Mexican government ordered Fremont to leave, his group climbed today's Fremont Peak and created a makeshift fort. He raised a US flag as Mexican soldiers assembled in San Juan Bautista, but then left the summit before the conflict escalated. Fremont was later court-martialed, pardoned by President James K. Polk, and elected to the United States Senate. Today, Fremont Peak is a registered California Historical Landmark and with two monuments detailing Fremont's story. Fremont Peak Day, a commemoration dating back about a century, takes place each April. 126 C A R M E L M A G A Z I N E • S P R I N G / S U M M E R 2 0 1 5 Fremont Peak Offers a Clear View of Nature BY RENEE BRINCKS Fremont Peak State Park offers hiking and views across four different counties. At the pinnacle of the 3,169 foot peak, which is about a one mile hike from the parking lot, is the border between Monterey and San Benito counties. Photo: Derek Davis

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