Mission Peak Regional Preserve
Mission Peak is a distinctive landmark that rises up to the east of Fremont. Often underrated, Mission Peak is an accessible park filled with dozens of miles of trails close to an urban area. The trails are mostly challenging fire roads, with some singletrack thrown in for good measure. Once at the top, you are rewarded with stunning views of the Bay Area to the west, and views of Mission Peak and the Sunol Regional Wilderness to the north and east. There are two main trailheads for tackling MIssion Peak. The main parking area is the staging area off of Stanford Ave; however, I prefer to start at Ohlone College because the trail is a little less steep and provides some shade (there is a parking fee at Ohlone College).
The Dirt:
The Dirt:
- Click here for the official park site.
- Click here for the official trail map.
- Click here for driving directions to the Stanford Ave staging area via Google Maps.
- Click here for driving directions to the Ohlone College trailhead via Google Maps.
- There is no drinking water available within the preserve, and it can get very hot in the summer! Bring plenty of your own drinking water.
- If you choose to park at the Ohlone College trailhead, there is a small parking fee.
Favorite Run #1: The Peak (7.4 mi, ~2200 feet elevation gain)
This run starts at the Ohlone College trailhead and takes you all of the way up to the summit of Mission Peak. It is basically an out-and-back, with a small loop thrown in after the peak. The trails are mainly fire roads, and they can be hot, sunny, and dry in the summer so bring water! The run starts at the well-marked trailhead near the Aquatic Center.
Note: This run can be made into a more challenging out-and-back to Sunol Wilderness Headquarters with over 4000 feet of climbing and even more spectacular scenery. See Favorite Run #2 below.... |  Overview map (click for a larger view)  Elevation profile (click for a larger view) |
- 0.0 mi: Start heading up the Peak Trail (also marked as the Ysc Trail). You will follow the Peak Trail all of the way to the peak.
- 0.3 mi: Sharp right turn to stay on the Peak Trail
- 1.2 mi: Just past the small pond (dry in the summer) veer right onto the singletrack to stay on the Peak Trail.
- 1.9 mi: Turn right back onto the fire road to continue up the Peak Trail.
- 2.7 mi: Once the peak is in sight, veer left slightly (at marker 25) to continue up the steep, rocky Peak Trail. The trail follows the ridgeline up to the summit.
- 2.8 mi: Ohlone Wilderness Trail junction. Continue straight on the Peak Trail. (Note: If you were running to the Sunol Wilderness HQ you would turn left here and descend for about 5 mi).
- 3.3 mi: At the summit! Enjoy the view, then continue along the Peak Trail (don't turn around).
- 3.6 mi: Junction with Horse Heaven & Eagle Loop Trails. Turn right and descend toward Horse Heaven Trail.
- 3.8 mi: Just before crossing the stream and the gate, turn right onto the badly marked Grove Trail. This trail follows the fence down and is often very muddy in the winter & spring.
- 4.2 mi: Continue onto the fire road/driveway near the park residence.
- 4.5 mi: Turn right onto the Ohlone Wilderness Trail. You will climb briefly back to the ridgeline.
- 4.7 mi: Veer left back onto the Peak Trail. Now retrace your steps back down the Peak Trail to Ohlone College.
- 7.4 mi: Back at the car!
Favorite Run #2: Sunol Out-and-Back (17.2 mi, ~4300 feet elevation gain)
This run is a modification of the previous run. Follow the directions for Favorite Run #1 up to mile 2.8 where you will turn left onto the Ohlone Wilderness Trail. You will descend about 2100 feet in about 5 miles to the Sunol Wilderness Headquarters. Water is available at the park headquarters. After you have filled your bottle, retrace your steps back to Mission Peak and finish the run as described above!
