mission peak regional preserve

First of all, when you turn off Mission to Stanford - you start to see cars parked in the neighborhood and wonder "all these cars can not be possibly parked here for Mission Peak" - Well, it is true. We got there around 10 AM and there were cars everywhere - it was almost a 1/2 to 3/4 mile hike from parking to the base of the hike. Luckily there are always people leaving if you don't mind searching for the spot.Now onto the hike - agree with other reviews: take plenty of water, put on sunscreen, wear a hat and comfortable shoes to hike in. Don't wear shoes that are too tight - the downhill hike will make your toes miserable. I am in decent shape and was able to get up to the peak in 1.5 hours (with plenty of short rest stops to "enjoy the view"). It is pretty much an incline all the way up with about four - five benches to sit on and enjoy the view.It was a fun experience and chatted with various folks along the way.

I waver between a rating of excellent or poor. Mission Peak indeed provides an awesome view of the Bay Area but one has to wonder about the on-foot commute traffic up and down its slopes and the insanity competing for a parking space below. The onslaught of people takes a serious toll on the flora and fauna of this mountain. There's a wealth of options waiting to be discovered in other Bay Area parks. For ideas, check out EBParks.org or join the East Bay Parks annual trail challenge.

Can you imagine being about 2,000 feet above sea level overlooking the Silicon Valley? Most people would pay hundreds of dollars for a balloon ride to do that. You can do it for FREE! Just hike up Mission Peak in Fremont. It's a fun hike that the Girl Scouts do annually and many others each day. It's a can't miss opportunity even if you come to the Bay Area on vacation.

This is a rather steep trail to the top but you do not have to go all of the way to the top to get a very good view of the pay are. There are other people on the trail so you do not have to be concerned about any problems.

There are two trails to the top with one less of a climb than the other. Great exercise and you are not alone on the trail. Great view. If you are in a little bit of a hurry you can get up and down in about 75 minutes.

This is a strenuous 1.5 hour hike to the peak and 45 minutes down for the average hiker. The views from the top are outstanding. It may be cooler at the top, so be prepared with a jacket, sunscreen and water. Some hardy bikers can make it to the top with a mountain bike. This has become a very popular weekend hike for those wanting to stay in top condition.

Mission Peak is definitely one of the many challenges you want to check off on your list of things to do, because if there's anything that makes you feel like you've accomplished something then it's eventually reaching the top. With that said, I am going to start off by saying it is no easy (but not impossible) hike. I say this because you are constantly going up hill, there is rarely a time when the trail levels out, and as you start reaching the summit it just gets steeper and steeper. So basically if you get tired from just walking up a stairwell, then I probably wouldn't recommend this. NOTE: I am reviewing ONLY the main, steep trail that I have been on. Apparently there are other, much easier paths to take but I haven't tried those yet. So back to my review. If you plan to take on the tough but fun challenge of the main trail, then you are in for a good time, as well as an excellent workout. And most of all, the views of the entire bay area and the surrounding landscape are breathtaking, and reaching the top makes it all the worth while (trust me). So don't forget your camera. The only negative thing I can think of about Mission Peak is the parking which can be tough to find. The lot in front of the preserve is always full unless you get lucky, so parking in the neighborhood is usually better and not far at all. Here are my tips: 1) Bring plenty of water, you WILL get thirsty; 2) Bring food/snacks for some quick energy, as well as for when you reach the top as you will definitely want to sit back and enjoy the view for a bit. Since I am in the Army I bring MREs (ready to eat meals) but a packed bag lunch should suffice; 3) If you are not in the best shape take frequent breaks to recuperate, and to enjoy the scenery every so often; 4) Preferrably go on a warm, temperate day because it gets very cold and windy when the weather is gloomy. If you do venture out on a cold day, dress in layers and bring gloves so you can shed them once you start building up a sweat, but at the top of Mission peak you will probably need those layers back; 5) On the other hand, if you go on a clear and sunny day, bring sunblock and protective sunwear such as sunglasses and/or a hat since there are almost no shaded areas. I ended up getting a little sun burned the last time I went, but you might fare worse if you're of a lighter complexion such as what happened to one of my friends; 6) Wear comfortable shoes that have good stability and grip since there are parts of the path that are very rocky and loose, you don't want to slip or twist your ankle; 7) Lastly, don't give up! It might seem like you're never going to make it, but if you just hang in there you will eventually complete the MISSION. In all honesty, I see a lot of elderly folks walking (sometimes running) up to the peak, so if they can do it, you can too!

I enjoyed hiking here with my family, but you must pack a lot of water if you plan on hiking past the first bench. It can be very hot on the dusty trail. The parking is also very crowded, but luckily this is within walking distance of my house. Happy trails!

I live next to the Mission Peak and so I know it really well. Since lots of people have much to say about it, I want to talk about the second trail from Ohlone College that is not used as much as the steeper and somewhat shorter first trail that starts from Stanford Avenue. It is almost impossible to find parking and the crowds on the week ends are ridiculous. The City is planning to reduce the people that can come there and also start charging as the crowds and the number of cars along the side streets have become a nuisance to the neighborhoodThe trail from Ohlone College is somewhat easier till we get to the last mile when both the trails join and become one. You have limited paid parking at the College and the trail starts right next to the college. One must never park except in the designated areas for the Ohlone college police ticket you immediately. The first mile is the easy part of the trail as it slopes gradually upwards. There are several hundred year old magnificent Oak trees overhanging the path. One must watch out for cattle for the Mission Peak Preserve doubles as a cattle Ranch with thousands of cattle roaming the hills . The hills are green from October to May and there are beautiful meadows with wild flowers for the next mile winding up to the Peak. Vistas of beautiful hills and valleys can be seen on the left side. There is also a shady grove of Oak trees that you will pass through on the right side of the trail. There are quite a few shady and restful areas as well that you can sit down and relaxThe rest of the trail is the same as the first trail.It takes a new comer in good health a total of 3 hours to do the round trip, sometimes 4 hours. Anyone who is in great shape can do it in 11/2 hours.

Mission Peak is one of the best hiking place in the bay area. You need to 3~4 hours for round trip hiking if you want to go all the way to summit. It has a great view and upon completion you will get a great workout reward.

Very good workout. Had a lovely time with friends and family. Wonderful place. Climate was awesome.khbsgvsbhbs

What a good hike with a beautiful view of the bay to go with it as well! There are different trails to go up which works well because there is one where it is easy for anybody to climb! I've also taken the harder trail which has very steep climbs so be careful if you decide to take this way! Just this year, well i believe a month or two ago did they just start putting a time frame on when people can hike. I think it's because this place completely blew up! Before it was just a low key fremont thing where people from the tri-city area knew about this but now it seems many people come from different cities to see one of Fremont's best attractions! A must hike if you are in Fremont!

We started very early in the morning (~6am) yet the parking lot was already full on arrival so we parked on the street below. We hiked to the summit and ran down segments of the trail that were safe for that. Distinct thermocline evident as we neared the summit. Great view available of the bay area pending local cloud/fog but great workout regardless.

It is not that easy if you don't keep fits. It is too hot if choose hiking in afternoon, and too dark if too late. It is the best choice that start hiking around 5:00-5:30pm. You will never regret to see the whole bay area in sunset.

All uphill almost 3 miles. But the view is worth it. You get to work your quads and flutes. Bring lots of H2O, wear a hat and sunscreen cuz there's not a whole lot of trees or shades. You'll encounter some cows a along the way. Say hello and move on. Once you get up, you'll want to stay up there for awhile and just take in the moment. Take a picture and show your friends that you've made it! Then it's all down hill for. There literally. Start the hike early and you won't be sorry. Make sure you respect the neighborhood where you've parked.