Outbound Collective logo

Mission Peak via Hidden Valley Trail

Fremont, California

4.2/5
based on 22 reviews

Details

Distance

6.16 miles

Elevation Gain

2116 ft

Route Type

Out-and-Back

Description

Added by The Outbound Collective

Mission Peak via Hidden Valley Trail takes you to scenic views of the bay area and valley to the east. This is an amazing trail to be on at sunset!

Breathtaking views of the Bay Area are your reward for making this climb to the top of Mission Peak. It’s a 3-mile trek to the top of the peak and then back down the same way. This is a moderate hike that provides a nice workout – so be prepared.

Park at the Stanford Avenue entrance gate. There is enough parking for about 20 cars, but if it’s full, there’s plenty of parking available along Stanford Avenue. Keep in mind that there are hours for both the parking area and the park (Learn More). Start by taking the Ohlone Wilderness Trail/Hidden Valley Trail (1.5 miles) to the Peak Meadow Trail (0.6 miles). Next, take the Grove Trail (0.2 miles) to a short connector trail (0.2 miles), and then to the Peak Trail (0.5 miles) to the summit. Retrace your steps on your descent.

Start times for this hike vary depending on the time of the year, but it’s best to start this hike a few hours prior to sunset. Once you get to the top, relax with some food and/or your favorite beverage, and enjoy the views. It will probably be a bit breezy and chilly, so dress in layers and be prepared to bundle up.

If you’ll be hiking down close to dark, make sure to bring headlamps or flashlights. This is a unique hike with amazing views – definitely well worth the effort.

Helpful Links:
Park MapPark Hours

NOTE:
The Stafford Parking hours are 6:30am-8:00pm Dec 31-Mar 31; 6:30am-9pm Apr 1 - Dec 22

Read More

Download the Outbound mobile app

Find adventures and camping on the go, share photos, use GPX tracks, and download maps for offline use.

Get the app
Download GPX File

Features

Photography
Hiking
Dog Friendly
Easy Parking
Groups
Scenic

Mission Peak via Hidden Valley Trail Reviews

This was a pretty rad hike at night. I’ve done it multiple times during the day, and it always has been a good one. It’s one of the best in the bay as far as a workout goes. Enjoy the cows, and don’t give up. The view at the top is well worth the struggle.

Such a great hike and the map brings you right to the best parking. Definitely get there early because it gets extremely hot in the desert sun. Also keep in mind that many people use this to train for Half Dome in Yosemite so it's not a fun easy, hike - it's pretty challenging going up! Also if you have a dog - there have been coyotes spotted recently so I would keep dogs on a leash.

This hike recommended by a few REI workers to do for Half Dome training. They were right! If you've done upper Yosemite falls trail, this will be slightly easier, but it's still about the same elevation gain in the same mileage. This hike isn't too exciting, but the cows are cool and the views from the peak are pretty great. For half dome training--it's recommended to do this hike (from Stanford entrance) twice in a row to get the best half dome workout. Happy hiking!

Leave No Trace

Always practice Leave No Trace ethics on your adventures and follow local regulations. Please explore responsibly!

Nearby

Little Yosemite via Canyon View Trail

Lake Elizabeth Loop

Catch a Sunset at Alviso Marina County Park

Hike the Pleasanton Ridge Trail

North Rim Trail to Eagle Rock

Courdet Trail and Schuhart Trail