Moonlight Hike up Mission Peak! The Harvest Moon.

Join me for a an evening moonlight hike up Mission Peak! This will be the first full moon of the fall season and I'm super excited to host this hike because I have yet to host a Meetup hike for the Harvest Moon (see details on why it's called Harvest Moon below).

Please note that technically the full moon this month is on the 26th but due to scheduling conflicts I am going to host the full moon hike on Tuesday the 29th. Not to worry because the moon will still be at 90.4% luminosity.

The Harvest Moon
In 2026, the brilliant Full Harvest Moon is on Saturday, the 26th of September. It will appear full for 3 days so start looking early if the weather is clear!

Note that the Harvest Moon is not always in the same month. It’s the Full Moon that occurs nearest to the autumnal equinox. Usually, as with 2026, it’s the September Full Moon, but occasionally it’s in October, depending on how the lunar cycle aligns with the Gregorian calendar.
In addition, the Harvest Moon is an astronomical event that astronomers have long recognized, and it’s not associated with traditional folklore and Native American Moon names that are used to track the lunar months.

The Harvest Moon typically occurs in September, replacing the Full Corn Moon. However, it occasionally lands in October, replacing the Full Hunter’s Moon.

Meeting spot:
We will start our hike from the Ohlone College trailhead where there is a water source (however there is no water beyond this point). Parking is free on Mission Blvd or $4 at the Ohlone College parking garage. I recommend just parking in the garage & saving yourself the extra steps. We will meet at the trailhead (across the street from the parking garage) at 6:30 and start hiking promptly at 6:45 pm. It typically takes 1'40" to 2 hours to summit from the Ohlone College trailhead; Moonrise is at approximately 8:30 PM. Plan to be back at the trailhead by 10:30 PM (though likely sooner)!

Hike Description:
Moderate 7.3 mile hike with about 2100 feet elevation gain. Gradual but relentless uphill mostly along a dirt road through pastureland. Rocky, single track trail on final approach to the summit. You need to be physically fit for this hike.
To bring: Warm clothing including jacket and gloves, winter hat, 2 liters water, good hiking shoes, a flashlight or a headlamp, snacks/food (fuel), trekking poles optional but helpful for the final approach and descent. Binoculars. Dress warmly. Dogs are permitted but keep in mind there is no water source and the trail near the top is steep and rocky.
Feel free to DM me with any questions or post in the comment section and I will respond. Please keep RSVP's updated out of respect to your host(s) for Meetup events. Hope to see you there!
David
Nice site with play by play info on the hike: https://www.redwoodhikes.com/EastBay/PeakTrail.html