A Mission Peak Experience
Written: Jan 08 '01 (Updated Jan 08 '01)
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Product Rating:
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Pros: Great views of the bay
Cons: Hike is very strenuous
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| webguy's Full Review: San Francisco Bay |
If you're looking for a great workout, as well as beautiful walk in the California foothills, I'd like to suggest a hike up Mission Peak. This is a mini-tour of my experience on this mountain, supplemented by 5 photos of the hike. To view the photos as you read, open another browser window set to: http://www.zing.com/album/?id=4293117863
This is one of my favorite local hikes, and over a sunny weekend, I took a quick trip to the top. The hike is an exhilarating journey through grassland, oak-dotted hillsides, and finally, a rocky mountain peak that provides views for hundreds of miles.
Mission Peak, at an elevation of 2504 ft (764m), is one of the taller peaks nestled in the foothills surrounding the San Francisco Bay. What's unique about this mountain is that it's devoid of development--there's no roads, golf courses, or sprawling hillside homes to spoil the experience. Instead, a few trails wind their way up to the summit, allowing us to explore the mountain's natural charms.
Mission Peak: The Ultimate Stairmaster
In addition, this short hike up the mountain is the ultimate cardiovascular workout: an elevation gain of 2100 ft in just over 3 miles! The trail is a physical challenge that you can take at your own pace. Some run the trail, others walk, depending on their ability. Any way you take it, you'll strengthen your heart, lungs, and take in some great scenery too! Note: this is a strenuous hike; if you're unsure about your physical condition, have it checked before hiking this mountain.
Getting there
From hwy 680, take the Mission Blvd. exit towards the nearby hills. Take Mission north, where you'll soon see a sign for Mission Peak at Stanford road. Take this road to the top of the hill, where the parking lot/trailhead is located. This is your starting point.
If you take a look at my first photo "view of the trail," you might notice the path cuts through rolling grassland for the first mile, becoming progressively steeper in the center of the photograph, culminating in a steep, rocky trail to the summit (the highest point in the photo.) This is your journey. Obviously, this hike is an exercise of endurance, but if you set a comfortable pace, you're sure to enjoy yourself!
The Sights
After the rolling grasslands, you'll encounter some steep hills. This is the section that affects people the most. Fortunately, there's many places to sit and catch your breath, so take a break and enjoy the view!
Soon, you'll reach a valley that's nestled in the cliffs just below the final summit (see photo 2 "A view of the valley".) For a bit of fun, walk down into the valley and practice echoes off the nearby cliffs--it's really quite dramatic! And, above in those rocky cliffs, watch for mountain goats climbing the nearly vertical walls.
After the valley, the trail quickly climbs on the final approach to the summit. Here, in the sun-washed slopes of the peak, you might even spot a winter-blooming California Poppy (photo 3.) The final approach is my favorite part of the hike: the views are amazing and the surrounding scenery reminds me of the Swiss Alps (as in photo 4).
You've Made It!
Upward and onward, the trail winds through rocky outcrops until, at last, the summit is before you (photo 5). Once there, sit back, relax and congratulate yourself--you've climbed 2100 feet! Enjoy the beautiful views of the bay, and on a clear day, you might even spot the snow-capped Sierra Nevada mountains, hundreds of miles away!
Things to bring on the hike
Water, snacks for energy, hiking boots with plenty of toe room (it's a long downhill), and a windbreaker for the summit, as it's often windy up there.
Enjoy the hike!
Recommended:
Yes
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Epinions.com ID:
webguy
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Member: Kurt S.
Location: California coast
Reviews written: 37
Trusted by: 47 members
About Me:
I'm an avid kayaker, biker and hiker.
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