Mission Peak via Hidden Valley Trail
Fremont, California
Details
Distance
6.16 miles
Elevation Gain
2116 ft
Route Type
Out-and-Back
Description
Added by The Outbound Collective
Mission Peak via Hidden Valley Trail takes you to scenic views of the bay area and valley to the east. This is an amazing trail to be on at sunset!
Breathtaking views of the Bay Area are your reward for making this climb to the top of Mission Peak. It’s a 3-mile trek to the top of the peak and then back down the same way. This is a moderate hike that provides a nice workout – so be prepared.
Park at the Stanford Avenue entrance gate. There is enough parking for about 20 cars, but if it’s full, there’s plenty of parking available along Stanford Avenue. Keep in mind that there are hours for both the parking area and the park (Learn More). Start by taking the Ohlone Wilderness Trail/Hidden Valley Trail (1.5 miles) to the Peak Meadow Trail (0.6 miles). Next, take the Grove Trail (0.2 miles) to a short connector trail (0.2 miles), and then to the Peak Trail (0.5 miles) to the summit. Retrace your steps on your descent.
Start times for this hike vary depending on the time of the year, but it’s best to start this hike a few hours prior to sunset. Once you get to the top, relax with some food and/or your favorite beverage, and enjoy the views. It will probably be a bit breezy and chilly, so dress in layers and be prepared to bundle up.
If you’ll be hiking down close to dark, make sure to bring headlamps or flashlights. This is a unique hike with amazing views – definitely well worth the effort.
Helpful Links:
Park MapPark Hours
NOTE:
The Stafford Parking hours are 6:30am-8:00pm Dec 31-Mar 31; 6:30am-9pm Apr 1 - Dec 22
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Reviews
Iconic for anyone in the east bay. Popular among high school students and gets very crowded. Avoid the line at the top by going earlier in the morning
4.0
This hike is all about the view, which can be seen along almost every part of the trail. The trail itself is not that interesting. Lots of cow, constant uphill, nothing but unshaded switchbacks until you get near the top. Then its a climb over rocks.
4.0
This was a challenging hike. Great views. Hearing and seeing the cows made it more fun. I feel like it's a very iconic East Bay area hike, so I am very glad I did it. Bring layers and plenty of water. Get started early. Lots of hikers. Parking can be a pain, pay close attention to signs as they love to ticket people around here.
5.0
This was a great hike in late afternoon 50 degree weather! Hot going up, pretty chilly at the peak! Insane views of the bay and eastern hills. Some areas very steep, but very worth it once you reach the top. The cows made this hike extra special! Parking is limited, but the neighborhood next door has parking on the street.
5.0
This was a pretty rad hike at night. I’ve done it multiple times during the day, and it always has been a good one. It’s one of the best in the bay as far as a workout goes. Enjoy the cows, and don’t give up. The view at the top is well worth the struggle.
5.0
Such a great hike and the map brings you right to the best parking. Definitely get there early because it gets extremely hot in the desert sun. Also keep in mind that many people use this to train for Half Dome in Yosemite so it's not a fun easy, hike - it's pretty challenging going up! Also if you have a dog - there have been coyotes spotted recently so I would keep dogs on a leash.
5.0
This hike recommended by a few REI workers to do for Half Dome training. They were right! If you've done upper Yosemite falls trail, this will be slightly easier, but it's still about the same elevation gain in the same mileage. This hike isn't too exciting, but the cows are cool and the views from the peak are pretty great. For half dome training--it's recommended to do this hike (from Stanford entrance) twice in a row to get the best half dome workout. Happy hiking!
4.0
This was one of my favorite hikes when I lived in the Bay Area! It's a hike that never gets old and you can do over and over without getting bored. The three mile trek is a little tougher than you think the first time, so bring water and be ready! My favorite time to start think hike is just like the adventure said: before sunset! Be sure you are prepared for the hike down also, I always bring a hat and am wearing sunscreen because sometimes the heat is brutal. Happy adventuring!
4.0
Pretty hike to great views of the Bay. Good workout but easy enough for fit kids. Can get crowded on weekends. Can also get hot in summer. Best for early mornings and weekdays. Good training hike for backpackers trying to train for strenuous backpacking trips.
4.0
Leave No Trace
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Little Yosemite via Canyon View Trail
Lake Elizabeth Loop
Catch a Sunset at Alviso Marina County Park
Hike the Pleasanton Ridge Trail
North Rim Trail to Eagle Rock
Courdet Trail and Schuhart Trail
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