Mount Chual


Mount Chual is a prominent peak in the Santa Cruz Mountains in southwest Santa Clara County, California, United States. The landmark lies west of Morgan Hill, and approximately northeast of Loma Prieta. It is the third highest peak in the Santa Cruz Mountains. Several tributaries to Llagas Creek originate on the southern and eastern flanks of the peak.

History

The name of the mountain first appeared on a Mexican-era map of New Almaden in 1848 as Picacho de Chual. The word "chual" refers in Spanish to the edible plant, chenopodium californicum, the common pigweed or goosefoot.
The summit has a radio communications facility, operating since 1965. The peak and surrounding land is currently owned by the Santa Clara Valley Open Space Authority.