Mission peak

I dragged myself up Mission Peak a few days ago. It wasn’t any hotter than usual, but for some reason my body wasn’t cooperating. I briefly considered turning around at the junction that turns the hike into a smaller loop, but decided to just take it slow and push myself to the top.

Mission Peak is a ~2,500’ peak in Fremont, California, and there are a handful of ways to reach the top. My favorite way is the loop starting from the Stanford Staging area and going counter clockwise (going up Horse Heaven Trail).

There’s a high chance you won’t be able to park a the parking lot near the trailhead . I often make a lap of the trailhead just in case I get lucky, but usually end up parking on Vineyard Avenue.

The counter clockwise loop is arguably a bit harder than the clockwise loop, and the start can be very discouraging. You start by going up a steep little section that can make your calves burn if you’re not use to it. Go when it’s not too hot (I usually start in the afternoon around golden hour), bring plenty of water (I bring about 1.5 liters), bring sun protection, slow down, and just keep climbing. You’ll be at the top of this section in no time.

*The first climb near the start of the trail.*
Nikon D750 • AF-S NIKKOR 35mm f/1.4G

At the top of the first climb things start to level out for a bit and you’ll get a chance to catch your breath.

*If you look carefully, you can see two little people on a flat part trail.*
Nikon D750 • AF-S NIKKOR 35mm f/1.4G

After the flatter section, another climb takes you to a bench which is a great spot to rest. The bench is close to a junction where you can decide to continue to the summit (horse Heaven Trail), or turn left (Peak Meadow Trail) to skip the summit and loop back down to the trailhead.

If you decide to continue… this is where the real climb begins.

*Right before starting up Horse Heaven.*
Nikon D750 • AF-S NIKKOR 35mm f/1.4G

You can either go straight up Horse Heaven, or us the switchbacks. Once at the top you’ll be on the Peak Trail. From there, you’ll see another small climb. It may look like you’re reaching the top, but you’re actually working your way up to the steepest part of the trail.

*The climb along the Peak Trail after climbing up Horse Heaven.*
Nikon D750 • AF-S NIKKOR 35mm f/1.4G

You’ll know it when you see it.

*The steepest part of the climb, Part 1.*
Nikon D750 • AF-S NIKKOR 35mm f/1.4G

The climb is steep, but there’s often a breeze and you get some great views.

*Looking back.*
Nikon D750 • AF-S NIKKOR 35mm f/1.4G

There are 2 parts to the steep section and you can’t see the second one until you reach the top of the first one. This is where I often see people get discouraged and turn around, but the trail eases up after this point. If you can make it past this section, know that you’ve already done the hardest parts of the climb.

*The steepest part of the climb, Part 2.*
Nikon D750 • AF-S NIKKOR 35mm f/1.4G

There’s a flat section after the steep climb, and you can see the summit from here.

*The summit of Mission Peak in the distance.*
Nikon D750 • AF-S NIKKOR 35mm f/1.4G

You still need to climb more from here, but nothing as bad as what you’ve already done. I started late and took my time, so I ended up reaching the top late.

The park closes at 9 so once at the top I put on my headlamp and booked it back to the trailhead.

Mission peak

Martins Beach