Gorgeous views and snow greet visitors at Lick Observatory

MOUNT HAMILTON, Calif. (KGO) -- Snow has covered the Lick Observatory on top of Mount Hamilton in Santa Clara County.

Snow is melting fast in front of the observatory, which stands 4,200 feet up. The road leading up to Mount Hamilton has been closed due to weather.

Observatory staff and Caltrans managed to clear the road and open it Friday afternoon. It's good news for visitors and for scientists who work here.

Hundreds of people visit the observatory even though only 29 people live nearby.

We hear that on the day after a storm, half dome can be seen from the telescopes because the sky is extremely clear.

Staff are expecting a busy weekend. While driving up, there was still a lot of wet soil and a few mudslides. Be on the lookout for that if you choose to visit.