Mission Peak Regional Preserve

Featured Trail: Mission Peak Traditional Loop

Fremont, Ca.

Distance Difficulty Level Elevation
( Min / Max )		 Bicycles Dogs Equestrian Backpacking Remarks
6.5 Level: 12
Very challenging: Somewhat long distance, 2,200 feet of elevation, very steep 1/2 mile climb near the peak.		 300 -- 2500 Ye Yes Yes No Caution: Near the top (Mission Peak) the trail is steep and rocky. Dogs may be off-leash in open space and undeveloped areas of parklands, provided they are under control at all times. Bicycles: Allowed on portions of this trail loop. Check the park map for more details Children: It is surprising how many pre-teens hike to Mission Peak. This trail is not recommended for toddlers and strollers.

Trail Map

Featured Trail Introduction: This featured trail is a well know loop starting at the parking lot at 400 feet in elevation and then climbing to Mission Peak at 2,500 feet. This is well-trodden trail, usually busy with people. But, on a clear day there is a view of the entire bay area: Mt. Tamalpais and the Santa Cruz mountain range, for example, can be seen. To the east are rolling hills. The trip to the top is exhilarating both because of the view and the success of reaching the peak.
Featured Trail: Follow trail marked in "Red" starting at Note 1.

Important Trail Notes

  • Note 1: Using the Google Map, find to the intersection of I-680 and Mission Boulevard in Fremont. Follow Mission Blvd east for 1/2 mile, turn right (east) on Stanford Avenue and follow it to the staging area. Parking: On weekends this open space area is extremely popular and parking is a challenge. The Stanford Avenue parking area is small -spaces for roughly thirty cars. Parking is allowed on Stanford Avenue.

  • Note 2: Trailhead: From the Stanford Parking area pass through the gate and follow Hidden Valley Trail. Like most of the trails at Mission Peak, the trail is not well marked but there is only one trail leaving from the parking area. Shortly after the metal gate, at the end of a row of Eucalyptus trees, there is a dirt vehicle road heading to the right; this is our return path; follow the main road to the left... up the hill.
  • Note 3: Continue on Hidden Valley Trail where it crosses Grove Trail. However, if you find yourself too tired to climb any further, but don't mind a steep downhill, consider taking Grove Trail to Horse Heaven Trail. Caution: Horse Heaven Trail downhill is steep.
  • Note 4: 1/2 mile from Mission Peak (the summit) there are two trails heading to the right (east. Either trail will reach the top. Caution: Be careful. This is a steep climb on an unimproved trail.
  • Note 5: Reaching Mission Peak for the first time is rewarding and for most worth the pain of getting there. This is a nice place to stop, but on the weekend can be crowed. Instead of having lunch here, consider going further along the trail and having lunch where the trail crosses McClure Spring (Note 7 below).
  • Note 6: The trail splits at this point and then again a little further down the trail. Be sure to follow the trail to the right (south).
  • Note 7: McClure Spring has ben improved by the park service and there is a nice rock wall to sit on for lunch.
  • Note 8: The trail markers at this point are confusing. Be sure to look at the trails and the trail map to pick up the correct trail. Either trail will head to Horse Heaven Trail but the one going straight is very steep.
  • Note 9: Trail Marker 18 is the start of the Peak Meadow trail. Follow Peak Meadow Trail toward the south.

Getting There

  • Find your way to the intersection of I-680 and Mission Boulevard in Fremont.
  • Follow Mission Blvd east for 1/2 mile, turn right (east) on Stanford Avenue and follow it to the staging area.
  • Parking: On weekends this open space area is extremely popular and parking is a challenge. The Stanford Avenue parking area has room for roughly thirty cars. However, parking is allowed on Stanford Avenue.



      • Google Map