FPOA Website How to join FPOA

Fremont Peak is a state park near San Juan Bautista. The mountain picks up a laminar flow off the coast, which often results in spectacular seeing. When the marine layer covers the coastal cities, the Peak gets seriously dark.

The Fremont Peak Observatory Assocation operates an observatory housing a 30” f4.8 equatorial newtowninan. The observatory is located within the park and was constructed in cooperation with the California State Parks. FPOA serves the public through star parties, however some private use of the 30” is allowed to members.

There are three observing areas w/in the park:

1. FPOA area
   • Terraced pads near the observatory and down near the bathroom and shop.
   • Power is available
   • The area is behind a locked gate.
   • An “observer” class membership is required to setup w/in this area. See above links.
2. The southwest lot
   • Located at the end of the road.
   • This is the most popular place to setup.
   • Southern horizon is blocked by the mountain, some trees to the east, however the west and north are clear.
3. Coulter row
   • This is a strip about 8 car lengths long overlooking the road.
   • Closest to the campsites.

Non-FPOA members can observe anywhere in the park except the FPOA area by contacting the ranger in advance. More info on contact requirements and details can be found here: http://observers.org/sites/ under the Fremont Peak section.