Mission Peak Regional Preserve

Mission Peak Regional Preserve

Hours

Ohlone College Entrance/Parking lot: Daily, year-round 6:00am-10:00pm
Stanford Ave. Entrance/Parking Lot: Dec 23-Mar 31 6:30am-8:00pm, Apr 1-Dec 22 6:30am-9:00pm

Fees

Dogs: No fee

Address

Ohlone Entrance: 43600 Mission Blvd., Fremont
Stanford Ave. Entrance: Stanford Avenue Staging Area

Phone

(510) 544-3246
Toll Free: 888-EBPARKS,
(888) 327-2757, option 3, extension 4545
Camping Reservations: 1-888-EBPARKS or (888) 327-2757, option 2

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Rising steeply to the east of the city of Fremont, Mission and Monument peaks form a dramatic backdrop to the South Bay. The determined and conditioned hiker who reaches the top of Mission Peak will be rewarded with views of Mount Hamilton to the south, the Santa Cruz Mountains to the west, Mt. Tamalpais to the north, and Mt. Diablo and the Sierra Nevada to the northeast. Hawks and vultures share the summit airspace with sailplanes riding the thermals, and a down-to-earth herd of feral goats roams the cliffs.

This well used park, particularly on weekends, with hundreds of visitors attempting the 3-plus-mile hike to Mission Peak. About five hours are required to reach the summit and return. This parkland's 3,023 acres are accessible from parking lots at Ohlone College (slightly longer hike, but more gradual ascent; plenty of parking on weekends) or from a small staging area at the east end of Stanford Avenue in Fremont (steep climb to the summit; parking lot is extremely congested on weekends). There is no access to the park from Mill Creek Road.

The Peak Trail from Ohlone College is an enjoyable hike to the summit that passes a horse corral and through shaded woodlands and open grasslands. This trail is part of the Bay Area Ridge Trail, a planned 550+-mile multi-use trail (currently over 330 miles are complete) along the hill and mountain ridgelines ringing the San Francisco Bay Area. The college charges a $4 parking fee. Parking lot vending machines take cash or credit cards. See the Ohlone College parking information webpage to confirm fee information.

The Stanford Avenue staging area is also the western access to the Ohlone Wilderness Trail, a 29-mile hiking and riding trail through some of southern Alameda County's most beautiful wilderness. Permits are required to hike in the Ohlone Wilderness.

     

    Park Hours

    Ohlone College
    Entrance/Parking Lot
    43600 Mission Blvd., Fremont
    Accessible by RideShare
    Over 900 parking spaces
    Daily, year-round

    6:00am - 10:00pm

    Stanford Ave.
    Accessible by RideShare
    Parking permit program for residents
    Entrance/Parking
    43 parking spaces
    Dec 23 - Mar 31
       6:30am - 8:00pm
    Apr 1 - Dec 22
       6:30am - 9:00pm

    NO Public Access to Mission Peak from Mill Creek Road.

    Please note that hours are strictly enforced. Visitors found inside the park, entrance area, and parking lot after posted hours will be subject to citation and or arrest. Citations cost a minimum of $300

      To Reach The Park

      Attractions

      Safe Hiking Tips

      Every year, several dogs die of heat stroke and dehydration at Mission Peak and many hikers suffer injuries, as well. Consider these tips while hiking in the park:

      Water, Water, Water!!!

      • Bring at least 2 liters of water for you and your dog. 
      • Make sure your companions also have enough water. 
      • Offer water to your dog every time you drink some.

      Be Sun Smart

      • Wear a hat and generously re-apply sunscreen. 
      • Avoid hiking in the middle of the day in the summer months. 

      Dog Health and Safety

      • Dogs are much more susceptible to heat stroke than humans. Hike with your dog only in cooler temperatures.
      • Take rests and offer water frequently.
      • Watch for signs of heatstroke, which include heavy panting, dry gums, weakness, and inattention. 

      Sturdy Footwear

      Trail Restoration

      Restoration of “The Scarface” Continues!

      The Park District continually works to remove bootleg trails and restore the natural beauty of the hillside near the Mission Peak summit, where it’s been eroded over the years due to hikers leaving the designated trail. We’ve installed fences and signs to educate the public and direct hikers to stay on the marked paths.

      Please help the restoration effort by staying on the marked trails. Do not take shortcuts. Press release on restoration work, 2014.

      Preserving the beauty of Mission Peak

      Irvington High School student volunteers, members of the Mountain Goats bicycle club, and District staff helped restore more than ½-mile of trail in 2012 and 2013. They installed fencing, jut net blankets, eco-wattles, and grass seeds, in hopes of stabilizing the slope and preventing erosion. They also installed signs to educate visitors about the importance of staying on marked trails, and the efforts underway to protect the park’s natural beauty.

      Image
      Trail restoration graphic

      BLUE = 2012 Restoration
      RED = 2013 Restoration 
      GREEN = 2014 Restoration

      How can you help?

      For more tips and volunteer opportunities, see "A Restoration Story" and  Mission Peak Needs Your Help!

      - Stay on designated trails
      - Avoid entering restoration areas
      - Avoid creating new “bootleg” trails 

      Other Challenging Trails

      If you enjoy the challenge of the Hidden Valley Trail, try these challenging hikes.

      Hiking, biking, dog walking, and horseback riding are popular activities available in the Regional Preserve.

      Interpretive Hikes

      The interpretive staff at Coyote Hills Regional Park leads organized hikes along the slopes and the peak. For information on these and other naturalist-led activities, call the Coyote Hills Visitor Center at (510) 544-3220.

      Backpack Camping

      Eagle Spring Backpack Camp offers backpack camping opportunities. Reservation is required. All water should be treated or boiled before drinking. To make a reservation, call 1-888-EBPARKS or (888) 327-2757, press option 2.

      Radio Control (R/C) Flying

      Remote-controlled aircraft can be launched at R/C Hill only. All remote-controlled pilots launching at R/C Hill must be members of South Bay Soaring Society (SBSS) and must have in their possession a current membership card. No motorized or gas-powered aircraft are allowed. No other sites within Mission Peak Regional Preserve are approved for this activity.

      Hang Gliding and Paragliding

      The Wings of Rogallo hang gliding club has a launch site at Mission Peak Regional Preserve to conduct hang gliding and paragliding activities.

      Upcoming Events

      Resources

      Wildflower Photo Guides

      Hiking from Ohlone College - Peak and Panorama Trail