Mission Peak

This trip is considered as pretty strenuous. Some people say that if you can do this trip twice in one day you can probably do Half Dome. That's how I first found it. I was looking for steep stuff to do near home so I can get in shape for Yosemite in a few months.

It starts in the flatland's just off Mission Blvd in Fremont, and winds it's way up to Mission Peak.
If you follow the Hidden Valley / Ohlone Wilderness Trail it is about 2.91 miles one-way. It is actually about a mile shorter on the Horse Heaven Trail, but it is a much steeper trail and is more suited to coming down than going up.

This is another one of those open trails you wouldn't want to do on a hot day since you are in direct sunlight all the way. 

On a clear day there should be a fantastic view of the bay and the peninsula, however, on the day I went it was overcast all day and so much cooler for that. In fact, see the mountians on the peninsula across the bay there?

All-in-all another great hike.

Directions:

There are two Mission Blvd exits from I-680 in Fremont.

Exit the southern Mission Blvd exit and go north on Mission.

Turn right on Stanford Ave. (one block north of Paseo Padre.)

Drive out to the end and park. There is a small parking lot or you may have to find parking in the neighborhood. Please don't block any driveways or anything.

The Hike:

Hike out the Hidden Valley / Ohlone Wilderness Trail to the Peak Trail. 

Turn right onto the Peak Trail and take it tot he peak.

Come back by the same route or continue past the peak and come back by the Horse Heaven Trail.

Note that the Horse Heaven Trail is much steeper in spots and may be much better coming down than going up.