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Mission Peak Trail Head
4.8 ★★★★★ 1,566 Google reviews · Running trail in Fremont, California · Posted hours
Runner's snapshot
- Surface
- Not reported
- Loop distance
- Not reported
- Shape
- Loop
- Shade
- Tree cover
- Access
- Posted hours
Confirmed from Mission Peak Trail Head's own listing, the park or land manager's website, and runner reviews. Blank cells mean we could not verify that fact — we would rather say "not reported" than invent one. There is no Easy / Moderate / Hard rating on this page on purpose: a one-word difficulty score tells you nothing about whether a trail suits your run. Surface, distance, shade and hours do.
Open space featuring a steep hiking trail with sweeping valley & bay views from the summit.
What runners say about Mission Peak Trail Head
“The trail is well-maintained and offers stunning views all the way up—especially at the summit, where you can see the entire Bay Area on a clear day.”
“The trail is well-maintained and offers stunning views all the way up—especially at the summit, where you can see the entire Bay Area on a clear day.”
“There’s very little shade on sunny days, so be sure to bring a cap, sunscreen, and plenty of water.”
I recently hiked Mission Peak for the second time and had a fantastic experience. The first time, just 15 days after appendicitis surgery, I was quite tired and had to rest at the washroom area where a bench is available. Even then, the views were beautiful with lush green grass and a serene lake.
One of my favorite hikes in the bay area, few takeaways: 1. One of the few hikes that remains open more than 1 hour post sunset. 2. Trail from stanford staging area is shorter (around 6 miles both ways) as compared to Ohlone College (around 7 miles both ways), but also steeper. 3.
30+ years living here and this was my first time hiking mission peak. Do bring sunglasses, hydration, sunscreen and a hat! Snap a picture of the trail map at the entrance. Pay attention where to go at each fork. I ended up at the wrong starting point because at the restroom fork I took the turn to ohlone college.
Absolutely loved this hike! The trail is well-maintained and offers stunning views all the way up—especially at the summit, where you can see the entire Bay Area on a clear day. It’s a great workout but totally worth it for the scenery.
Trail conditions & character
“The trail is well-maintained and offers stunning views all the way up—especially at the summit, where you can see the entire Bay Area on a clear day.”
“There’s plenty of parking available, and the area is equipped with clean restrooms and porta-potties.”
“However, it’s a continuous uphill climb with slopes and steep sections, and there’s almost no flat ground along the way, so it’s really tiring.”
“I ended up at the wrong starting point because at the restroom fork I took the turn to ohlone college.”
“There’s very little shade on sunny days, so be sure to bring a cap, sunscreen, and plenty of water.”
“Porta potty on trail is closer to the trail on the left at the starting point, so If you take a right you won't get to it till descending if you loop around.”
“One of the highlights is the two water fountains located just before the park gate which is super convenient for filling up before you start.”
Plan your run at Mission Peak Trail Head
The practical stuff
- AccessPosted hours — posted hours below; park gates sometimes close earlier than the listing says
- DistanceNot reported. Trail systems often quote total path mileage rather than a single loop, so measure the route you actually want before you drive out.
- ShadeRunners describe real tree cover here — it makes a summer afternoon workable
- At the trailheadparking, restrooms, water — reported by runners
- Stroller / wheelchairReported as smooth and step-free enough for a running stroller or a chair.
- Websiteebparks.org
- Phone(510) 544-3246
- Social Instagram · Facebook
Hours
| Monday | 6:30 AM–9 PM |
| Tuesday | 6:30 AM–9 PM |
| Wednesday | 6:30 AM–9 PM |
| Thursday | 6:30 AM–9 PM |
| Friday | 6:30 AM–9 PM |
| Saturday | 6:30 AM–9 PM |
| Sunday | 6:30 AM–9 PM |
Running trails near Fremont
Other trails within easy driving distance — useful when this one is flooded, gated, or just not the run you had in mind today.
Peak Meadow Trail
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Trail Head, Sabercat Creek Trail
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Paved walking trail featuring scenic views and a stream, plus deer and birds.
Mission Peak Trailhead - Ohlone College
4.7 ★★★★★ 174 reviews
Part of the Bay Area Ridge Trail, this spot offers hiking routes to Mission Peak with scenic views.
Mission Peak Regional Preserve
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Vast mountain preserve popular for biking, hiking, horseback riding, R/C flying and hang-gliding.
Panorama Trail
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Spring Valley Trail
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