Climbing Mission Peak
        Sunset from Mission Peak, January 2001

Mission Peak is 2517ft high and is located in  Fremont, CA. It is the highest hill in the East bay area.

During summer, I like to climb Mission Peak after work. It is good exercise and I can see the sunset from the summit. I have climbed it over a hundred times.

The climb of about 2100ft starts at the parking lot on Stanford Ave and takes about 1:15h up if you take the shortcuts and hike at a good pace. My record is about 50min. Even if you walk slowly, it should not take more than 1:40 or so. Going down should take 1 hour or so if you walk the trail in the dark enjoying the view of the city.

Biker prefer to start from Ohlone College from where the trail is a bit more gradual.

Almost anyone can do it, but the climb can be steep at some places. The summit may get windy and much colder than the trailhead. Basic equipment includes hiking boots, a windbreaker, water and, if you are doing it in the evening, a flash light.

Mission Peak has became too popular and the parking lot is usually full and the mountain very crowded. On the weekends you can see hangliders and paragliders.

From the summit you can see the entire Bay Area, Mt. Hamilton, Mt. Diablo. Some people claim to be able to see the Sierra Nevada on clear days.