Sat., 3/29/14: Mission Peak hike

I've been wanting to hike Mission Peak for the last 13 years, and I will not put it off any longer.

I am told there are several entrances and trail options. Let's park at Ohlone College (43600 Mission Blvd.) and hike the PEAK TRAIL from the parking lot to the Mission Peak summit. Instructions from their site says to use the trailheads at the east end of the Ohlone College campus.

Note: Lots M, N, O and P will be closed for Ohlone College construction projects January 2014 - Summer 2015.

Here's a detailed topographic layout of the trails:

http://www.ebparks.org/parks/mission#trailmap

This trail is about 8 miles roundtrip, and I'm guessing it'll take about 5 hours to complete if we pace ourselves.

Here's a write-up about this route:

http://www.everytrail.com/guide/ohlone-college-to-mission-peak

Here's what Chris told me:

The trail is gravelly until the last 1/2 mile where you're climbing on piled rocks. You should definitely get hiking boots - sneakers will flex too much. You might also want to pick up some $29 hiking poles at Costco.

Let's meet at the Ohlone parking lot at 9:00 a.m. I'll email you more specific info about exactly where in the parking lot to meet and what I'll be wearing.

Bring plenty of water and snacks to munch on.