One of the bucket list hikes in the Bay Area, Mission Peak trail offers rolling panoramic and 360 views as you traverse through bunches of oak trees and wildflowers on your way up the mountain.
The Mission Peak trail in Fremont, California is about 7.5 miles as a lollipop loop. This particular hike starts from Ohlone College parking area and is about 2 miles longer than the hike from the other trailhead at Stanford Avenue. This hike is considered easy to moderate since it covers a good distance, decent elevation gain at 2,100 feet and at times is in extreme heat. We did this hike at a fast pace of 2.5 hours with lots of quick stops for pictures. Dogs are allowed on this hike.
Details:
Directions (Google Maps): To get to the Mission Peak trail, search for Mission Peak Trailhead – Ohlone College in Fremont, California, or click here.
Directions (old school maps): From San Francisco or Oakland, get to Highway 680 and get off at Mission Blvd. Take Mission Blvd for a few miles before turning onto Pine Street, which will run into the school and parking lot area. You’ll pay for covered parking in the garage.
Driving Info: This is an easy drive that can get some traffic. This particular trailhead has much more parking, although it requires a fee.
Time & Weather: We did this hike at the middle of May when the weather was bright and crisp. This hike will get extreme heat in the warmer months.
Gear: No special gear needed for this trail, although good boots will help with the steep incline/decline. You can also bring hiking poles for extra stability.
Trail Navigation: This trail is easy to follow and is often very crowded, so there’s no way to get lost.
Water & Food: Especially outside of winter months, bring plenty of water since this park gets extreme heat. Bring some snacks as well, since there are a variety of viewpoints to enjoy, especially the peak at the top.
Trailhead Info: There is a large paid parking garage here, which helps because this trail gets very crowded on the weekends.
Pictures of the Mission Peak Trail:
As you exit the parking garage and find the trailhead signs, it’s immediately up with some moderate switchbacks. Take your time to stop and peer right at the view.
Looking forward up the trail surrounded by mustard plants.
You’ll approach this watering hole on your left. Plug your nose for the smell!
Next you’ll break into the forested and shaded area, which is a nice break from the sun on hot days.
In the forested area, gorgeous oaks and other sprawling vegetation covers everything in green.
If you’re early enough in the morning and the weather is crisp, take a closer look at some of the water droplets hanging onto the colorful wildflowers and plants along the trail.
As is often the case, fog rolls in and creates a picturesque landscape view.
Out of the foggy clouds and beneath the final ascent. You can see a trail of tiny people making their way up to the peak.
Halfway up the final ascent, the trail itself is rough and rutted out depending on recent rain and weather.
Getting closer to the top, you can look out left for the view (or heavy banks of fog!) and look right at the colorful wildflowers.
This is the view once you reach the top and look down to your right.
The trail down from the peak. This starts the lollipop loop of the trail which is seldom used, so enjoy the solitude.
As you loop your way back to the trail, the trail meanders across the rolling green hills.
Looking left and up to the top of Mission Peak. You can barely see tiny dots (people!) at the peak.
More gorgeous trails curving their way across the foggy mountainside.
Descending down, there is a bathroom for those who cannot wait.
As the morning fog burns off, you’ll get more stunning views off the side of the trail.
The final view down towards Fremont as you will zig-zag your way down. Be mindful of others, as there are always people coming up and down the trail.
If you want a shorter version of this hike, there is an alternative trailhead off Stanford Avenue. It’s only 5.8 miles although it has the same challenging elevation gain of 2100+ feet. After your hike, make sure to treat yourself to some of the spectacular food options around the East Bay.
This is just one of the the Bay Area's must-do hikes. If you're spending time in the city, try Lands End for unique Golden Gate Bridge views along the coastline, or the Waterfall Loop in Mount Diablo if you're closer the East Bay.
