Mission Peak Trail in Fremont, CA

Today I had a BBQ planned with a MeetUp, but felt that driving 2.5 hrs just to eat, drink and be merry was not good enough, so I decided to hike before the BBQ.

Mission Peak trail was mentioned to me a few times as one of the more popular hikes in the Bay area. I don't usually like to hike with dozens of people, but this time there was an excuse to try it out. There are two main trails leading to Mission Peak, one starts from Ohlone college and is 7.5 miles round trip, and the other one begins near Stanford Ave, is 5 miles, but has only 40 parking stalls. It is highly recommended to park at Ohlone college, and I can see why - there is plenty of parking and is $4 or free (depends on the time of the year). The parking garage was right across from the trailhead, very simple and convenient. This trail also has more shade, and believe me, you need that!

I started the hike early, at 8 AM I was already at the trailhead. It was supposed to be 90F today, so I really wanted to skip the heat. By the time I started, some people were already coming back. If I lived closer, I would have done the same.

Today I decided to wear shorts instead of my usual hiking pants because I saw that the trail is wide and sandy with no vegetation on the trail itself. I was right, I would not want to wear anything more than I did - it was hot! The climb is gradual, but consistent. In the beginning, I saw some bulls and cows really close by accompanied by dozens of flies. I can't even imaging how they can live covered in insects like that all the time! Cool experience that cattle is just grazing wherever they want to, some though were confined in smaller spaces. I was glad I am an aspiring vegetarian...

The nicer parts of the trail start about 2 miles in. You get a full view of the Bay and surrounding areas. It was clear and a big smoggy today, but visibility was not an issue. Once you are past the first 2 miles, it gets nice and cooler with somewhat of a stronger wind that brings some relief. The last part of the climb is intense, but the reward is so visible that you really can't stop.

At the top, many people are lined up to take a picture with a pole and the US flag, but I decided I didn't want to wait and just enjoyed the view before starting to descend. The way down is very enjoyable, especially as you watch other people starting at 10-11 AM and dying from heat at the very beginning of the trail. Do your research, people!