Your Mission Is Less Crowded

Mission Peak is one of the Bay Area’s most popular mountains, with many hikers climbing every weekend. Skip the crowds with this 6-mile loop up the less-traveled southern route.

From the Stanford Avenue parking lot, head up Hidden Valley Trail, then bear right at the intersection with Peak Meadow Trail. With so few hikers on this stretch, it’s a great spot for animal sightings like wild turkeys, coyotes, and gopher snakes.

Continue uphill to the intersection with Horse Heaven Trail, then keep right to begin the steepest section of the climb. As you gain altitude, enjoy seasonal flowers like poppies, vetch, and morning glories. The lack of foot traffic makes this a great spot for butterfly viewing, with colorful species like checkerspots, painted ladies, and swallowtails fluttering among the blossoms.

At the intersection with Grove Trail, continue straight onto Peak Trail, the final uphill stretch to the rocky summit. Head to the famous summit pole and snap your selfie, then enjoy the beautiful view of Silicon Valley. From this vantage point, hikers can clearly see the Four Corners of the Bay Area: Mount Diablo, Mount Tamalpais, Mount Umunhum, and Mount Hamilton.

To return to the parking lot, continue along Peak Trail, then turn left onto Hidden Valley Trail. This wide dirt road is the main route up Mission Peak, and is the easiest way to descend all the way back to the parking lot.

TIP: Check the forecast and temperatures before embarking on this hike in summer and fall as it's a longer hike with exposure. Plan accordingly.

The Stanford Ave. parking lot is located at 680 Stanford Ave. in Fremont. Map. The parking lot is open from 6:30 a.m. to 9 p.m. Bicycles welcome, except for on the summit. Dog-friendly!

Photo and stories by Heather Werner, @heath.er.wer.ner