Visitor numbers increased significantly after 2010, and it is the most popular attraction in Fremont. An ascent up Mission Peak
Mission Peak
Mission Peak Regional Preserve is a public park east of Fremont, California, operated by the East Bay Regional Park District. It is the northern summit on a ridge that includes Mount Allison and Monument Peak. Mission Peak has symbolic importance, and is depicted on the logo of the Cit…
How long is the Mission Peak hike?
If a six-mile round trip hike isn’t quite enough for you distance hounds, the Mission Peak hike connects to several other trail networks in the Bay Area, including the Ohlone Wilderness Trail, a 29-mile hiking and riding trail through some of southern Alameda County.
Where is Mission Peak Regional Preserve?
Location: Mission Peak Regional Preserve in Fremont, CA Distance: ~5.3 miles (Panorama Trail) or 3.1 miles (Peak Trail) from Ohlone College. 3 miles (Peak Meadow View Trail) from Stanford Staging Area. Note: The information below reflects the Peak Trail.
How long does it take to hike the Fremont trail?
Explore this 7.3-mile out-and-back trail near Fremont, California. Generally considered a challenging route, it takes an average of 4 h 21 min to complete. This is a very popular area for backpacking, camping, and hiking, so you'll likely encounter other people while exploring. The trail is open year-round and is beautiful to visit anytime.
Is Mission Peak the highest peak in San Francisco Bay Area?
Mission Peak is not the highest peak in this part of the Southeast San Francisco Bay area, Mount Allison and Monument Peak immediately to the south are higher, but Mission is the most distinct and most frequently summited. There are probably several hundred who head up each day.
How many miles is Mission Peak hike?
three milesFREMONT, Calif. — At three miles long and 2,000 feet in elevation, the hike up Mission Peak is not for the faint of heart: The trail is dry and nearly bald, and climbing it can be painfully hot. The incline near the top is rocky and preposterously steep. But for those who make it to the top, the payoff is big.
Is Mission Peak hard to climb?
This is a moderate to strenuous trail with a constant uphill climb until you reach the summit. The trail is a well maintained gravel base until the last half mile. From this point the trail is hard pack dirt and rocky. Difficulty would definitely increase during the rainy season.
Is Mission Peak good for beginners?
The trails climb about 2000 feet in less than 3 miles. Fit hikers should have not problem with this 6 mile hike, and beginners in reasonable shape may find the ascent tough, but manageable, with proper pacing and plenty of water. Hikes at Mission Peaks are best taken on cool days.
How many steps is Mission Peak?
14,000-stepMission peak trail is a 6.1 mile (14,000-step) route located near Fremont, California, USA. This route has an elevation gain of about 2033.6 ft and is rated as hard.
How do you prepare for Mission Peak hike?
Mission Peak TipsTop tip: Don't hike this route! Instead, park at Ohlone College at 43600 Mission Blvd. ... Go early and if possible, avoid weekends and holidays. ... Carry at least a liter of water, more if it's hot. ... Bring sunscreen and sun protection (i.e. a wide-brimmed hat). ... Wear shoes with good traction.
Can kids hike Mission Peak?
This steep summit may be too much for kids, but you do not have to hike the 29 miles to reach the summit. Stay close to the water fountain at the access point, and you can enjoy the hills, cows and grassy wilderness area in the County park.
Is Mission Peak paved?
The trail a paved 7-miler with a little less than a hundred feet of elevation gain. Olompali State Historic Park is a three miles, but climbs up 1,000 feet. Overall its about half the length and distance you'll tackle on the Mission Peak trail.
What is the pole on top of Mission Peak?
time capsule"The pole near the summit is actually a time capsule, put up there by former Naturalist Leonard Page," Mendoza said. "It encloses a bottle of local wine, an Ohlone charm stone replica and photos and articles from the late 1980s and early 1990s."
How high is Half Dome hike?
Introduction. Rising nearly 5,000 feet above Yosemite Valley and 8,800 feet above sea level, Half Dome is a Yosemite icon and a great challenge to many hikers.
How long does it take to climb Mount Diablo?
Background. This is the Mount Diablo's most memorable hike — the complete climb from base to summit. Because of how steep and rough the trail is, the entire loop takes about 8–9 hours; there just isn't a lot of trail where you can walk at a normal pace.
What is the pole on top of Mission Peak?
time capsule"The pole near the summit is actually a time capsule, put up there by former Naturalist Leonard Page," Mendoza said. "It encloses a bottle of local wine, an Ohlone charm stone replica and photos and articles from the late 1980s and early 1990s."
How long does it take to climb Mount Diablo?
Background. This is the Mount Diablo's most memorable hike — the complete climb from base to summit. Because of how steep and rough the trail is, the entire loop takes about 8–9 hours; there just isn't a lot of trail where you can walk at a normal pace.
Is Mission Peak paved?
The trail a paved 7-miler with a little less than a hundred feet of elevation gain. Olompali State Historic Park is a three miles, but climbs up 1,000 feet. Overall its about half the length and distance you'll tackle on the Mission Peak trail.
Are dogs allowed on Mission Peak Trail?
Besides linking Santa Clara to Alameda County, the trail is a section of the Ridge Trail being developed to encircle San Francisco Bay. Hiking, biking, dog walking and horseback riding are popular activities available in the Regional Preserve. Dogs welcome. Please keep a leash on you at all times.
How long is Mission Peak?
If a six-mile round trip hike isn’t quite enough for you distance hounds, the Mission Peak hike connects to several other trail networks in the Bay Area, including the Ohlone Wilderness Trail, a 29-mile hiking and riding trail through some of southern Alameda County. The other connector is to the Bay Area Ridge Trail, a 300+ mile still-in-progress development that currently links some of the region’s best scenic points.
Where to pitch a tent in Mission Peak?
The nearest spot to pitch a tent is Del Valle Regional Park forty minutes west near Mendenhall Springs. You can cool off from your Mission Peak hike with swimming, kayaking, and paddleboarding on Lake Del Valle, a five mile long reservoir. There are group and tent campsites, as well as cabins.
What is the most popular hike in the Bay Area?
It’s the Mission Peak hike , one of the most popular climbs in all of the notoriously hilly Bay area.
How far to hike from Stanford to Ohlone?
If you start hiking from Stanford, you’ll begin by crossing a field shared with placid cows. 2.5 miles in on this route, you’ll run into the junction with the trail from Ohlone College. It’s easier to park here, but beware that it does add a mile to your hike.
How far is Sawyer Camp Trail?
To test your endurance, try Sawyer Camp Trail. The trail a paved 7-mi ler with a little less than a hundred feet of elevation gain. Olompali State Historic Park is a three miles, but climbs up 1,000 feet. Overall its about half the length and distance you’ll tackle on the Mission Peak trail.
What to bring for Mission Peak hike?
What to Pack for a Mission Peak Hike. Bring plenty of water : The Bay Area might have a reputation for chilly fog year round, but Fremont sits further inland. It’s much warmer there than closer to the Pacific, with highs around 80 in the summer and lows around 60. Even in winter, temperatures range from the 40s to 60s.
How to dress for a hike?
Plenty of folks call emergency services because they underrate the difficulty of the hike. Be sure to wear the right shoes and bring adequate layers. Just remember, you need to get back down after being out for a good chunk of your day!
How tall is Mission Peak?
At 2,517 feet, Mission Peak towers over the southern arm of the San Franciso Bay. It offers a 360-degree panorama that extends from San Jose to Mount Tamalpais. On a clear day, you can even see the Sierra Nevada range to the east.
What is the final approach to Mission Peak?
Bear right around the ridge to the final approach to Mission Peak–a steep gravel incline.
What are the sitting tubes on Mission Peak?
The siting tubes are pointed at other landmarks you can see from Mission Peak. Few people know that buried within the siting tube are a bottle of Zinfandel wine and five time capsules intended to be opened 100 years after they were placed. See how many landmarks you can identify.
How long is the Hidden Valley Trail?
The Hidden Valley Trail is a small part of the Ohlone Wilderness Regional Trail – a 28-mile route that is popular for backpackers. At about 2.6 miles, you’ll reach a junction with the trail that heads to Ohlone College.
How many benches are there at the top of the mountain?
Be sure to give them plenty of room. Don’t attempt to touch or agitate them. The trail itself is a broad, gravel and dirt fire road. There are six benches along the route to the peak, giving you a chance to rest and enjoy the view along the way. Keep an eye out for wildlife as you go.
Can dogs go to Mission Peak?
Dogs: Yes. When to go: Year-round. In History of Washington Township, published in 1904, Mission Peak was described as under-rated and under-appreciated: “Perhaps the denizens of this valley are so accustomed to the sight of Mission Peak that they fail to appreciate the dignity and individuality which it gives to the landscape.
Is Mission Peak a popular hike?
Clearly the denizens have long since discovered Mission Peak, as anyone who has been to the Stanford Avenue trailhead can attest. Today, Mission Peak is a popular hiking destination appreciated by hundreds (thousands?) each day.
How far is Mission Peak?
Mission Peak gets throngs of hikers but only savvy trekkers take this route to the summit -- an eight-mile out-and-back that stretches out the 2,000-foot ascent to the summit (the most-popular route ascends a similar height in a 5.2-mile out-and-back). This gradual route is a less-strenuous option for hiking to the top of the popular East Bay peak.
Where is the peak trail in Fremont?
It starts from the parking lot at Ohlone College along Mission Boulevard in Fremont, California. Just one trail -- the aptly named Peak Trail -- curves and climbs its way to the 2,517-foot summit of Mission Peak.
Where is Mission Peak in California?
Mission Peak from Ohlone College is a 7.3 mile heavily trafficked out and back trail located near Fremont, California that features beautiful wild flowers and is rated as difficult. The trail offers a number of activity options and is accessible year-round. Dogs are also able to use this trail. Mission Peak gets throngs ...
Do cattle graze in Mission Peak?
Cattle often graze throughout Mission Peak Regional Preserve -- give them plenty of space and don't come between mothers and their calves, or you could get charged.
Is it scary to do a trail in the dark?
First time doing a trail in the dark. It was a bit scary, but pretty fun. Recommend trying it once.
Getting to the Trailhead
At 680 Stanford Avenue, Fremont, California, you’ll find a small parking lot with many spaces.
Safe Hiking Tips For Mission Peak
Along with careful foot placement for the last stretch to the summit, hikers are urged to bring lots of water along for the trip.
About the Park
Mounting steeply into the eastern part of Fremont city, both Mission and Monument Peaks create a dramatic background for the South Bay.
Mission Peak Hike: Last Words
Mission Peak is a must-do for southern Californians and travelers coming through the area.
