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Mission Peak via Hidden Valley Trail

Fremont, California

4.2/5
based on 22 reviews

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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Features

Photography
Hiking
Dog Friendly
Easy Parking
Groups
Scenic

Mission Peak via Hidden Valley Trail Reviews

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!

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.

We love mission peak, but one suggestion... Can there be a horse trail made please ?! All the horse shit and hooves going down the trail will beat up anyone's knees. Those hooves just destroy the path. Thanks and also to the person that leaves nasty dog water in the bowl I dumped that shit out. But yea we just bring a small Tupperware for our dog it's light enough to pack in almost anything. Bring snacks for the breaks and hydrate your dog when you do so for yourself ! Went up around 4:30 today and it was beautiful ! Love the cows walking across the trail. Not so great of a mountain biking trail in my opinion. Excellent place for families though ! Also to the kid playing his trap music loud enough for all to hear... Your a douche.

Leave No Trace

Always practice Leave No Trace ethics on your adventures and follow local regulations. Please explore responsibly!

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Little Yosemite via Canyon View Trail

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Hike the Pleasanton Ridge Trail

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Courdet Trail and Schuhart Trail