Mission Peak

Welcome to Travel Tuesday! Are there any places near where you live that always signify to you that you’re getting close to home again? For me, it’s Mission Peak.

I’ve climbed this sucker on many an occasion (e.g. check out my Yelp review from back in 2010! The first time I came up here was back when I was 12 years old, but until February of 2016, I’d actually never taken a picture whilst standing on the pole-lookin’ thing. Better late than never, right?!

During Christmastime, someone hauls a Christmas tree up there (complete with lights and everything!), and there are lots of hardcore people that run/bike up there with or without their dogs every morning.

I am sadly not of that caliber, but I do enjoy going up there when I’m home. In the last several years, it’s become somewhat of a tourist/selfie spot. (never in my life have I ever had to wait in line to get to the top in the past…), but it really does offer a gorgeous view of the bay. You can bypass the line/crowds if you climb it super early or later in the day though!

Mission Peak in Fremont, California

Distance: ~5.6 miles out  + back from Stanford Ave | 7.3 miles out + back from Ohlone College
Elevation Gain: ~2135-2145 feet
Trailhead Address: Stanford (Stanford Ave, Fremont, CA 94539 / 37.50438, -121.90833) | Ohlone (43600 Mission Blvd., Fremont, CA 94539 / 37.52716, -121.91312)
Difficulty: Moderate to Difficult (not recommended for beginners)
Duration: ~2.5-4 hours for Stanford, ~3-5 hours for Ohlone (depending on what kind of shape you’re in)
Parking: can suck, depending on which trail you take (read on)

• Stanford side parking is extremely limited, so if you want any chance at snagging a spot, you’ll have to get there super early (a couple hours before sunrise, but the park technically isn’t open yet at that point). There are 47 parking spots on that side, but hundreds of people will often congest the surrounding neighborhoods.
• Ohlone side has a lot more parking spaces, but there’s a $4 parking fee M-F 6a-11p and Saturdays from 7am-5pm.

That’s my brother! :O

The photos from this post are from the Ohlone trail instead of the Stanford trail! In my youth, I mostly hiked the Stanford side but now that I know better, I take the Ohlone side. (It’s prettier, steeper, offers a hell of a lot more shade, and is kindasorta less crowded!)

I know a lot of people weren’t too happy about the rain we were having, but California desperately needed it, and it’s especially nice hiking this in the winter because everything’s actually green! :]

Since I’ve hiked this so many times, you may notice a weird difference in lighting (morning/afternoon/evening) since I combined pictures from all these separate hikes into this post!

There’s a rather majestic-lookin’ hawk(?) who likes to chill on a rock on the way to the top and often does fly-by’s that makes everyone in the general vicinity stop and marvel at its beauty.

…I’ve never managed to catch a close-up shot because I’m too mesmerized.

If you bring your dog, make sure s/he’s in reasonable shape and bring extra water for em’! <3

Don’t worry–she’s okay! Just takin’ a break!

We made it! :D

My best friend and I like to hike up there sometimes on a weekend morning (when I’m in town) too, and we usually make breakfast afterward (e.g. Mango Banana Waffles, Tiramisu French Toast…)

It can get pretty dark, so bring a flashlight and watch your step!

Take-home Tips!

• Wear sunscreen! There’s very little shade on the Stanford trail (there’s a little more on Ohlone side).
• Bring a windbreaker/jacket, it gets really cold/windy at the top. If you’re hiking up in the winter, please wear a hat and gloves.
• Bring a flashlight (or make sure your phone’s charged/put it on airplane mode so the battery doesn’t die) if you’re going to be there while it’s still dark.
• Bring water (preferably in a hydration pack since parts of the trail can get really steep.
• Hiking poles can be helpful as it can get muddy/slippery, especially near the top!
• Don’t piss off the cows. Some have been known to be a bit aggressive. Also, no matter how cute the baby cows are, do not try to pet them!

I’ve been in talks with my friend to thru-hike Mission Peak at some point, so if that happens, I’ll be sure to include an update! (It may well end up being its own post since this would be a 30-mile endeavor!)

• Do you have any “tourist spots” near your home?
• What are your favorite hikes to go on in your area?