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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

Hiked mission peak once in the summer, and let me tell you, worst idea ever. Not only was it so crowded but it was terribly hot. And to make matters worse, the trail is all dirt so it easily kicks up leaving you gasping for air. The hike is all up hill without shade so bring tons of water. In all, Mission peak is way over rated and I'll probably never hike here again.

I parked by Ohlone college and made a longer hike out it. We were mostly alone on the trail until we met up with the masses of hikers coming up from Stanford Avenue. Thought this was a great local hike, varying trees and views, and a solid leg burner. Plus it's dog-friendly which is always great in my book!

The first time that I hiked Mission Peak was w/ my two cousins. So, I was completely unaware on what it would be like. One of my cousins has hiked Mission Peak many times & she says that hiking up there is literally walking straight up & she was right. I didn't think I was gonna make it all the way the top, it took us about an hour & a half to get up to the top & about half an hour to get down. If you were looking for a place to that has a perfect view, its Mission Peak. Highly recommend!

Leave No Trace

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

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