Caliente Mountain, Mountain summit in San Luis Obispo County, California, USA.
Caliente Mountain is a summit in San Luis Obispo County that rises to about 5,100 feet and forms the western boundary of the Carrizo Plains National Monument. The peak can be reached by hiking trails that cross the surrounding grassland and chaparral.
During World War II, military personnel stationed a lookout tower at the summit to observe the California coast. This military use marked an important chapter in the mountain's past as a strategic vantage point.
The Sierra Club's Angeles Chapter maintains a register inside the mountain tower, marking it as the only San Luis Obispo County peak above 5,000 feet.
Spring offers the best hiking conditions with moderate temperatures and wildflowers blooming along the trails. The mountain is accessible year-round, but bring plenty of water and sturdy hiking boots for the terrain.
A white chevron marking adorns the summit and can be spotted from numerous vantage points across the plain. This distinctive sign helps hikers and observers locate the peak from far away.
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