Mission Peak
Encyclopedia
Mission Peak is a peak east of Fremont, California
. It is part of a ridge that includes Mount Allison
and Monument Peak. Mission Peak is located in the Mission Peak Regional Preserve and is a part of the East Bay Regional Park District
. There is regular snowfall every winter, but it is typically light and melts relatively quickly. Once or twice a decade, there is tremendous snowfall, such as in March 2006 (visible in the Hiking section). On December 7, 2009, there was an even deeper snowfall dropping to 1,000 feet. The snow lasted three days.
Mission Peak is the site of a large (300 m wide by 1200 m long) landslide that started in March, 1998 due to the El Niño rains that winter. The landslide occurred in an area that had seen previous landslides in the past.
The landslide threatened new housing and has changed local development regulations to deal with geotechnical hazards.
Some sources have labeled Mission Peak as an extinct volcano due to its shape and the sharp point of the peak. This, however, is simply the result of natural uplift and erosion though; the peak has no volcanic origin. This range of the hills is being compressed due to the proximity of the Hayward Fault to the west and the Calaveras Fault
to the east, which has led to a number of smaller faults and uplift.
and chaparral
. Typical of the interior Coast Ranges, the woodland is mixed, made of Coast Live Oak
, California Bay, California Buckeye, Blue Oak
, and Western Sycamores. Black Oak is rare and scattered around the peak. Most stands have been logged. There are also some Bigleaf Maple
s. Gray Pine
s exist in mixed stands of oaks and isolated lone stands on the high slopes. The best example is the old-growth
oak forest in the Hidden Valley (see Hiking) known as A.A. Moore Memorial Grove, which contains all the tree species. Many of the oaks are three hundred to six hundred years old. Sadly, many oaks are over a hundred years old, while almost none are younger than fifty. The saplings have been shorn by cattle and choked by invasives since 1797. The steepest slopes are home to hard, evergreen chaparral. This also has a confusing mixture, primarily California Sagebrush, Chamise, and Scrub Oak
but many others. Blue oak often grows among the chaparral. The grasslands are a mix of native and nonnative grasses brought along by cows, though many native wildflowers grow in the spring. Mission Peak's cattle
have a reputation to be feisty. There are many black-tailed deer
. Pronghorn
were extirpated in the late 19th century and so were Tule Elk
. Tule Elk were reintroduced to Alameda County and are occasional visitors. Predators include bobcats, coyotes, gray foxes, and mountain lions which are very rarely seen. Small mammals include the Black-tailed Jackrabbit
, the Western Gray Squirrel
, and California Ground Squirrel
s. Visitors should be advised that Northern Pacific rattlesnakes
are very common. Southern Alameda county has the high density of nesting Golden Eagles, thus, they can be seen often, along with Turkey Vulture
s, Red-tailed Hawk
s, Red-shouldered Hawk
s, Prairie Falcon
s, and Sharp-shinned Hawk
s. They also nest here, usually in steep valleys on the slopes, where no trails enter.
There is a herd of feral
goats on the peak.
Mission Peak is served by three trails from its western face. The Peak Trail starts at Ohlone College
and heads southwards to the summit. While this trail is generally the least steep of the three, it is still quite challenging for casual hikers and requires considerable endurance due to a steady 4 mile uphill hike and 2100 feet elevation change. The other two trails, the Hidden Valley and Peak Meadow Trails both begin their ascent from Stanford Avenue and ascend the western face. They offer regular panoramic views of the Bay Area, however they are considerably steeper than the Peak Trail.
Parking is available at both locations, although there is a charge for parking at the campus parking lot. The lot at the end of Stanford Avenue is free although space is limited (street parking is legal a few blocks further down). AC Transit
buses are also an option, providing service to Ohlone College from BART.
There are two more approaches to Mission Peak. One is from Sunol Regional Wilderness
. This route climbs 2200 feet over 5 miles along gentler grade than Hidden Valley Trail which climbs 2200' over just 3 miles. The other approach is from Ed R. Levin County Park
in Milpitas
. This route first climbs 2200 ft from the Park HQ to Monument Peak over 3 miles, and from there Mission Peak is another 3 miles to the north along a mostly flat trail. This 3 mile long route passes along Mount Allison
, the tallest point among these three peaks on the route. Mount Allison, which is about 170' higher than Mission Peak, is not open to public access but the trail passes very close to it. Mission Peak stands at 2,517 ft and Monument Peak is at 2594'.
Services along each trail are minimal to non-existent and shade from trees diminishes at higher altitude so hikers are cautioned to bring adequate supplies of water, sunscreen, and protective clothing. Sturdy hiking shoes are recommended as well although no climbing gear or technical climbing skill is required. It can be very windy and cold on top of the ridge regardless of season or weather conditions due to the peak's exposed position. Still, it's best to keep the carried weight to a minimum. Even a few extra pounds can become tiring on a steady uphill hike like this one.
Views from the peak vary with weather conditions, but it is common to be able to see the other high peaks of the Bay Area, including Mount Diablo, Mount Hamilton
, and Mount Tamalpais
. Furthermore, the peak provides good views of the cities of Oakland
, San Jose
, San Francisco
, and Fremont
. Under the right conditions (usually a crisp and clear winter day) even the Sierra Nevada range can be seen approximately 100 miles to the east.
Hiking on Mission Peak also has connections to and from a broader regional trail network. Mission Peak contains part of the Bay Area Ridge Trail
(which is still under construction). This trail leads southwards along (and up) the ridge to Monument Peak and the Ed R. Levin County Park
in the hills above Milpitas
. Hikers can also access the Ohlone Wilderness trail that descends east from near the peak towards Sunol Regional Wilderness
. This trail ultimately leads to Lake Del Valle
south of Livermore
, although this is a trek requiring usually at least two nights of camping as well as permits (available at Sunol Regional Park) allowing entrance to the deeper areas of the range. Also situated on the eastern side of the summit is the new Eagle Spring Backpack campsite.
Visitors to the park might also notice a group of buildings below the summit in a small valley, known as the Hidden Valley, on the western face of the mountain. These were formerly the Peak Meadow Ranch owned by the McClure Family, who ran cattle on Mission Peak for a number of decades in the 20th Century. They are now the residence of the park caretaker and are not open to the public.
Fremont, California
Fremont is a city in Alameda County, California. It was incorporated on January 23, 1956, from the merger of five smaller communities: Centerville, Niles, Irvington, Mission San Jose, and Warm Springs...
. It is part of a ridge that includes Mount Allison
Mount Allison
Mount Allison is a peak southeast of Fremont, California. It is part of a ridge that includes Mission Peak and Monument Peak. Unlike the former two peaks, Mount Allison is located on unincorporated private property owned by a broadcasting company....
and Monument Peak. Mission Peak is located in the Mission Peak Regional Preserve and is a part of the East Bay Regional Park District
East Bay Regional Park District
The East Bay Regional Park District is a special district operating in Alameda County and Contra Costa County, California, within the East Bay area of the San Francisco Bay Area...
. There is regular snowfall every winter, but it is typically light and melts relatively quickly. Once or twice a decade, there is tremendous snowfall, such as in March 2006 (visible in the Hiking section). On December 7, 2009, there was an even deeper snowfall dropping to 1,000 feet. The snow lasted three days.
Geology
The landslide threatened new housing and has changed local development regulations to deal with geotechnical hazards.
Some sources have labeled Mission Peak as an extinct volcano due to its shape and the sharp point of the peak. This, however, is simply the result of natural uplift and erosion though; the peak has no volcanic origin. This range of the hills is being compressed due to the proximity of the Hayward Fault to the west and the Calaveras Fault
Calaveras Fault
The Calaveras Fault is a major branch of the San Andreas Fault located in northern California in the San Francisco Bay Area. To the east of the Hayward-Rodgers Creek fault, the Calaveras fault extends 123 km, splaying from the San Andreas fault near Hollister and terminating at Danville at its...
to the east, which has led to a number of smaller faults and uplift.
Environment
Mission Peak is home to California oak woodlandCalifornia oak woodland
California oak woodland is a plant community found throughout the California chaparral and woodlands ecoregion of California in the United States and northwestern Baja California in Mexico...
and chaparral
Chaparral
Chaparral is a shrubland or heathland plant community found primarily in the U.S. state of California and in the northern portion of the Baja California peninsula, Mexico...
. Typical of the interior Coast Ranges, the woodland is mixed, made of Coast Live Oak
Coast Live Oak
Quercus agrifolia, the Coast Live Oak, is an evergreen oak , native to the California Floristic Province. It grows west of the Sierra Nevada from Mendocino County, California, south to northern Baja California in Mexico. It is classified in the red oak section Quercus agrifolia, the Coast Live Oak,...
, California Bay, California Buckeye, Blue Oak
Blue Oak
Quercus douglasii, the Blue Oak, is an oak in the white oak section of the genus, Quercus sect. Quercus. It is endemic to California and is found in foothills surrounding the Central Valley of California and certain locations in the California Coast Ranges, USA...
, and Western Sycamores. Black Oak is rare and scattered around the peak. Most stands have been logged. There are also some Bigleaf Maple
Bigleaf Maple
Acer macrophyllum is a large deciduous tree in the genus Acer.It can grow to be up to 35 m tall, but more commonly grows 15 m to 20 m tall. It is native to western North America, mostly near the Pacific coast, from southernmost Alaska to southern California...
s. Gray Pine
Gray Pine
Pinus sabiniana , with the common names gray pine, California foothill pine, and the more historically and internationally used digger pine, is a pine endemic to California in the United States...
s exist in mixed stands of oaks and isolated lone stands on the high slopes. The best example is the old-growth
Old growth forest
An old-growth forest is a forest that has attained great age , and thereby exhibits unique ecological features. An old growth forest has also usually reached a climax community...
oak forest in the Hidden Valley (see Hiking) known as A.A. Moore Memorial Grove, which contains all the tree species. Many of the oaks are three hundred to six hundred years old. Sadly, many oaks are over a hundred years old, while almost none are younger than fifty. The saplings have been shorn by cattle and choked by invasives since 1797. The steepest slopes are home to hard, evergreen chaparral. This also has a confusing mixture, primarily California Sagebrush, Chamise, and Scrub Oak
Scrub Oak
Scrub Oak is a general name for several species of small, shrubby oaks, including the following species:*California Scrub Oak *Leather Oak *Coastal Scrub Oak...
but many others. Blue oak often grows among the chaparral. The grasslands are a mix of native and nonnative grasses brought along by cows, though many native wildflowers grow in the spring. Mission Peak's cattle
Cattle
Cattle are the most common type of large domesticated ungulates. They are a prominent modern member of the subfamily Bovinae, are the most widespread species of the genus Bos, and are most commonly classified collectively as Bos primigenius...
have a reputation to be feisty. There are many black-tailed deer
Black-tailed Deer
Two forms of black-tailed deer or blacktail deer occupying coastal temperate rainforest on North America's Pacific coast are subspecies of the mule deer. They have sometimes been treated as a species, but virtually all recent authorities maintain they are subspecies...
. Pronghorn
Pronghorn
The pronghorn is a species of artiodactyl mammal endemic to interior western and central North America. Though not an antelope, it is often known colloquially in North America as the prong buck, pronghorn antelope, or simply antelope, as it closely resembles the true antelopes of the Old World and...
were extirpated in the late 19th century and so were Tule Elk
Tule Elk
The tule elk is a subspecies of elk found only in California, ranging from the grasslands and marshlands of the Central Valley to the grassy hills on the coast. The subspecies name derives from the tule that it feeds off of, which grows in the marshlands...
. Tule Elk were reintroduced to Alameda County and are occasional visitors. Predators include bobcats, coyotes, gray foxes, and mountain lions which are very rarely seen. Small mammals include the Black-tailed Jackrabbit
Black-tailed Jackrabbit
The black-tailed jackrabbit , also known as the american desert hare, is a common hare of the western United States and Mexico, where it is found at elevations from sea level to up to...
, the Western Gray Squirrel
Western Gray Squirrel
The Western Gray Squirrel is an arboreal rodent found along the western coast of the United States and Canada.In some places, this species has also been known as the Silver-gray Squirrel, the California Gray Squirrel, the Oregon Gray Squirrel, the Columbian Gray Squirrel and the Banner-tail...
, and California Ground Squirrel
California Ground Squirrel
The California ground squirrel , is a common and easily observed ground squirrel of the western United States and the Baja California peninsula; it is common in Oregon and California and its range has relatively recently extended into Washington and northwestern Nevada...
s. Visitors should be advised that Northern Pacific rattlesnakes
Crotalus oreganus
Crotalus oreganus is a venomous pitviper species found in North America in the western United States, parts of British Columbia and northwestern Mexico. Seven subspecies are currently recognized, including the nominate subspecies described here....
are very common. Southern Alameda county has the high density of nesting Golden Eagles, thus, they can be seen often, along with Turkey Vulture
Turkey Vulture
The Turkey Vulture is a bird found throughout most of the Americas. It is also known in some North American regions as the Turkey Buzzard , and in some areas of the Caribbean as the John Crow or Carrion Crow...
s, Red-tailed Hawk
Red-tailed Hawk
The Red-tailed Hawk is a bird of prey, one of three species colloquially known in the United States as the "chickenhawk," though it rarely preys on standard sized chickens. It breeds throughout most of North America, from western Alaska and northern Canada to as far south as Panama and the West...
s, Red-shouldered Hawk
Red-shouldered Hawk
The Red-shouldered Hawk is a medium-sized hawk. Its breeding range spans eastern North America and along the coast of California and northern to northeastern-central Mexico.-Description:...
s, Prairie Falcon
Prairie Falcon
The Prairie Falcon is a medium-sized falcon of western North America.It is about the size of a Peregrine Falcon or a crow, with an average length of 40 cm , wingspan of 1 metre , and weight of 720 g...
s, and Sharp-shinned Hawk
Sharp-shinned Hawk
The Sharp-shinned Hawk is a small hawk. In fact, "sharp-shins" or "sharpies" are the smallest to reside in USA and Canada, though some Neotropical species are smaller...
s. They also nest here, usually in steep valleys on the slopes, where no trails enter.
There is a herd of feral
Feral
A feral organism is one that has changed from being domesticated to being wild or untamed. In the case of plants it is a movement from cultivated to uncultivated or controlled to volunteer. The introduction of feral animals or plants to their non-native regions, like any introduced species, may...
goats on the peak.
Hiking
Ohlone College
Ohlone College is a community college located in Fremont, California. It was established in 1965. Ohlone College is a single college, multi campus district serving the areas of Fremont, Newark, and Union City with its main campus and district office in Fremont...
and heads southwards to the summit. While this trail is generally the least steep of the three, it is still quite challenging for casual hikers and requires considerable endurance due to a steady 4 mile uphill hike and 2100 feet elevation change. The other two trails, the Hidden Valley and Peak Meadow Trails both begin their ascent from Stanford Avenue and ascend the western face. They offer regular panoramic views of the Bay Area, however they are considerably steeper than the Peak Trail.
Parking is available at both locations, although there is a charge for parking at the campus parking lot. The lot at the end of Stanford Avenue is free although space is limited (street parking is legal a few blocks further down). AC Transit
AC Transit
AC Transit is an Oakland-based regional public transit agency serving the western half of Alameda County and parts of western Contra Costa County in the western, Bay-side area of the East Bay of the San Francisco Bay Area...
buses are also an option, providing service to Ohlone College from BART.
There are two more approaches to Mission Peak. One is from Sunol Regional Wilderness
Sunol Regional Wilderness
The Sunol Regional Wilderness is a regional park in Alameda County, California, United States that is administered by the East Bay Regional Park District. It is located south of the town of Pleasanton and east of Fremont, near the town of Sunol....
. This route climbs 2200 feet over 5 miles along gentler grade than Hidden Valley Trail which climbs 2200' over just 3 miles. The other approach is from Ed R. Levin County Park
Ed R. Levin County Park
Ed R. Levin County Park is the largest park in Milpitas, California. It is run by the County of Santa Clara and is located in the chaparral foothills east of the Santa Clara Valley. Monument Peak can be accessed through trails in the park...
in Milpitas
Milpitas, California
Milpitas is a city in Santa Clara County, California. It is a suburb of the major city of San Jose, California. It is located with San Jose to its south and Fremont to its north, at the eastern end of State Route 237 and generally between Interstates 680 and 880 which run roughly north/south...
. This route first climbs 2200 ft from the Park HQ to Monument Peak over 3 miles, and from there Mission Peak is another 3 miles to the north along a mostly flat trail. This 3 mile long route passes along Mount Allison
Mount Allison
Mount Allison is a peak southeast of Fremont, California. It is part of a ridge that includes Mission Peak and Monument Peak. Unlike the former two peaks, Mount Allison is located on unincorporated private property owned by a broadcasting company....
, the tallest point among these three peaks on the route. Mount Allison, which is about 170' higher than Mission Peak, is not open to public access but the trail passes very close to it. Mission Peak stands at 2,517 ft and Monument Peak is at 2594'.
Services along each trail are minimal to non-existent and shade from trees diminishes at higher altitude so hikers are cautioned to bring adequate supplies of water, sunscreen, and protective clothing. Sturdy hiking shoes are recommended as well although no climbing gear or technical climbing skill is required. It can be very windy and cold on top of the ridge regardless of season or weather conditions due to the peak's exposed position. Still, it's best to keep the carried weight to a minimum. Even a few extra pounds can become tiring on a steady uphill hike like this one.
Views from the peak vary with weather conditions, but it is common to be able to see the other high peaks of the Bay Area, including Mount Diablo, Mount Hamilton
Mount Hamilton (California)
Mount Hamilton is a mountain in California's Diablo Range, in Santa Clara County, California. Mount Hamilton, at is the tallest mountain overlooking Silicon Valley, and is the site of Lick Observatory, the first permanently occupied mountain-top observatory. The various summits along its...
, and Mount Tamalpais
Mount Tamalpais
Mount Tamalpais is a peak in Marin County, California, United States, often considered symbolic of Marin County. Much of Mount Tamalpais is protected within public lands such as Mount Tamalpais State Park and the Mount Tamalpais Watershed.-Geography:...
. Furthermore, the peak provides good views of the cities of Oakland
Oakland, California
Oakland is a major West Coast port city on San Francisco Bay in the U.S. state of California. It is the eighth-largest city in the state with a 2010 population of 390,724...
, San Jose
San Jose, California
San Jose is the third-largest city in California, the tenth-largest in the U.S., and the county seat of Santa Clara County which is located at the southern end of San Francisco Bay...
, San Francisco
San Francisco, California
San Francisco , officially the City and County of San Francisco, is the financial, cultural, and transportation center of the San Francisco Bay Area, a region of 7.15 million people which includes San Jose and Oakland...
, and Fremont
Fremont, California
Fremont is a city in Alameda County, California. It was incorporated on January 23, 1956, from the merger of five smaller communities: Centerville, Niles, Irvington, Mission San Jose, and Warm Springs...
. Under the right conditions (usually a crisp and clear winter day) even the Sierra Nevada range can be seen approximately 100 miles to the east.
Bay Area Ridge Trail
The Bay Area Ridge Trail is a planned 550+-mile multi-use trail along the hill and mountain ridgelines ringing the San Francisco Bay Area, in Northern California. When complete, the trail will connect over 75 parks and open spaces. The trail is being designed to provide access for hikers,...
(which is still under construction). This trail leads southwards along (and up) the ridge to Monument Peak and the Ed R. Levin County Park
Ed R. Levin County Park
Ed R. Levin County Park is the largest park in Milpitas, California. It is run by the County of Santa Clara and is located in the chaparral foothills east of the Santa Clara Valley. Monument Peak can be accessed through trails in the park...
in the hills above Milpitas
Milpitas, California
Milpitas is a city in Santa Clara County, California. It is a suburb of the major city of San Jose, California. It is located with San Jose to its south and Fremont to its north, at the eastern end of State Route 237 and generally between Interstates 680 and 880 which run roughly north/south...
. Hikers can also access the Ohlone Wilderness trail that descends east from near the peak towards Sunol Regional Wilderness
Sunol Regional Wilderness
The Sunol Regional Wilderness is a regional park in Alameda County, California, United States that is administered by the East Bay Regional Park District. It is located south of the town of Pleasanton and east of Fremont, near the town of Sunol....
. This trail ultimately leads to Lake Del Valle
Lake Del Valle
Lake Del Valle is an artificial lake located southeast of Livermore, California on Arroyo del Valle in Del Valle Regional Park....
south of Livermore
Livermore, California
Livermore is a city in Alameda County. The population as of 2010 was 80,968. Livermore is located on the eastern edge of California's San Francisco Bay Area....
, although this is a trek requiring usually at least two nights of camping as well as permits (available at Sunol Regional Park) allowing entrance to the deeper areas of the range. Also situated on the eastern side of the summit is the new Eagle Spring Backpack campsite.
Visitors to the park might also notice a group of buildings below the summit in a small valley, known as the Hidden Valley, on the western face of the mountain. These were formerly the Peak Meadow Ranch owned by the McClure Family, who ran cattle on Mission Peak for a number of decades in the 20th Century. They are now the residence of the park caretaker and are not open to the public.