Mission Peak Regional Preserve CA

• 4-star hike
• 6 mile loop
• Moderate | Gain 1,920 to 2,150 feet
• Fremont, CA | San Francisco Region
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The image shows a panoramic view from the summit of a mountain. The foreground features rocky terrain with a tall metal pole that has multiple directional markers attached to it. In the background, there are rolling green hills and a sprawling cityscape, indicating a significant elevation. The clear blue sky adds to the scenic beauty of the landscape.

The image shows a panoramic view from the summit of a mountain. The foreground features rocky terrain with a tall metal pole that has multiple directional markers attached to it. In the background, there are rolling green hills and a sprawling cityscape, indicating a significant elevation. The clear blue sky adds to the scenic beauty of the landscape.

Views from Mission Peak summit.

Towering above the city of Fremont in the San Francisco Bay Area the 2,517 foot Mission Peak is an extremely popular summit with both hikers and casual walkers alike. With around two thousand foot of elevation to climb, everyone gets a workout, which makes the views from the top of the mountain even more rewarding.

Although the steep trails and the tall mountain can be hard for some, possibly harder still finding a trailhead parking spot on a weekend. Arrive early or hope to get lucky at the Stanford Avenue trailhead, though you can likely find some street parking a short walk away.

Trail Options Expand KML · Google Earth ·

⬤ 4★ Hidden Valley Out & Back 5.9 mi out & back, moderate, gain 1,920 ft
AllTrails · GPX File · Directions GPX?

⬤ 4★ Mission Peak Loop 6.0 mi loop, moderate, gain 2,150 ft
AllTrails · GPX File · Directions

⬤ Hidden Valley Out & Back
The Hidden Valley Trail is a wide path frequented by most of Mission Peak's hikers, providing a steady incline that switchbacks gradually towards the summit. Two thousand feet in three miles isn't especially steep, but the constant incline will give all but the most seasoned walkers a workout. Pick up the Eagle and Peak Trail on the mountain's ridgeline to reach the summit, and try and avoid all the informal desire paths that folk continue to gouge into the landscape. After enjoying all three hundred and sixty degrees of scenic San Francisco Bay Area views, a return journey that retraces your steps is the easiest route back down.

⬤ Mission Peak Loop
For a slightly more adventurous return route consider hiking Horse Heaven and Peak Meadow trails back to your starting point. Though this looping return is roughly equidistant to the Hidden Valley Out & Back journey, these narrower and occasionally steeper return trails provide additional interest and more varied scenery.

The image shows a scenic landscape with a winding dirt path leading through a grassy area towards rolling green hills in the background. The sky is clear and blue, and there are trees on the right side of the path.

The image shows a scenic landscape with a winding dirt path leading through a grassy area towards rolling green hills in the background. The sky is clear and blue, and there are trees on the right side of the path.

Early morning on the wide Hidden Valley Trail. This frequently gets crowded.

Dry ground conditions are best when taking the looping return route to avoid getting quite literally bogged-down in mud. We've marked on our map a couple of traversing trails that link back to the Hidden Valley Trail should the going get too tough.

Shelter is non-existent on the mountain so be sure to prepare appropriately for hot weather and sun exposure, but we also recommend bringing layers to keep you comfortable at the sometimes gusty summit. Also be aware that Mission Peak Regional Preserve is home to herds of grazing cattle, which usually don't pose a problem but can sometimes become an obstacle - particularly when taking the Horse Heaven loop.

The image shows a scenic view from a hilltop, with several people walking up a dirt path. The foreground features green grassy hills, while the background reveals a sprawling urban area with numerous houses and buildings. Beyond the cityscape, there are bodies of water and distant mountains under a clear blue sky.

The image shows a scenic view from a hilltop, with several people walking up a dirt path. The foreground features green grassy hills, while the background reveals a sprawling urban area with numerous houses and buildings. Beyond the cityscape, there are bodies of water and distant mountains under a clear blue sky.

Looking back towards Fremont and the San Francisco Bay.

On the left side, there is a close-up view of a metal structure with several protruding pipes or connectors. The structure is covered in graffiti and markings. The background shows a clear blue sky and distant hills, indicating an outdoor setting. On the right side, there is a black cow lying on green grass in a hilly area. The cow has pink ear tags with the number '166' on both ears. The background consists of grassy hills, suggesting a rural or pastoral environment.

Views through the summit pole. | Grazing cattle on the loop trail.

Tangents:
• Official: Mission Peak at East Bay Parks
• Public Map at AllTrails: Mission Peak Loop from Stanford Ave
• Facebook Group: Comment, Follow Us

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