Saturday Sunrise on Mission Peak

Begin Hike and Shoot at 5:00 AM
Complete Hike and Shoot at 10:00 AM

The starting location is the trail head at Ohlone College near Parking Lot N. Parking is not free on Saturday, so park on Mission Boulevard.

A detailed map with parking location information is here: The trail is slightly longer than the normal route up Mission Peak, but less steep (https://maps.google.com/maps/ms?mapprev=1&ie=UTF8&msa=0&msid=104521589567573694133.000452fad78e3e7b1d32d&ll=37.517079,-121.900005&spn=0.032542,0.077248&t=p&z=14).

The moon will be two days past full so it will be bright. The sun rises at 6:39 AM, so a moderately slow pace will have us on the top before that time. A headlamp is recommended. Bring a small flashlight if you don't have a headlamp, but really, they're $15 at the McCarthy Ranch WalMart (the Energizer brand with 6 LEDs is a great one, I have two and can loan one out).

Yes means you're coming. No need to reply NO unless you're canceling a previous RSVP.

The timetable is as follows:

5:00 am Hike begins (please arrive at the starting location at least 5 minutes prior)
6:25 Arrive at top, rest, eat, set up for photos
6:39 Sunrise
7:34 Moon set
7:45 Start hiking down
8:45 Head out for breakfast (or home)

HIKING ROUTE AND DISTANCE:
Mile 0.0: Start from Parking lot N (see directions below). Take the Peak Trail which here is a gravel fire road. The Spring Valley trail joins at marker mp7.
0.9: The Peak Trail bends left (North) and climbs 500 feet to 1000 feet over the first mile.
1.1: The PT then gradually climbs 200 feet and enters a wooded area traveling East along Mill Creek Rd. at Marker mp5. The PT becomes a single track trail for the next half mile until mp4.
1.6: As you leave the wood the trail veers sharply to the right (SW) and away from Mission Peak as it rejoins the gravel fire road.
2.0: For the next 1/4 mile the trail climbs another 300 feet onto the shoulder of Mission Peak.
2.3: The fire road/trail comes to a kiosk. Bear left here. The ascent is gradual, but steady.
2.5: The trail comes to a fence with a well worn path along it to the summit. Skip this rocky and dusty route and continue straight (NE) on the Peak trail. The PT meets the Eagle trail but right (SE) and uphill.
2.9: The road steepens here and then ends. The summit is now a 1/4 mile scramble over a worn trail with rocks. Watch your footing!

HIKING ELEVATION AND DIFFICULTY:
The bottom is at 500 ft. The top is at 2517 ft and it's just over 3 miles bottom to top. This is a fairly STEEP hike. At the bottom you may overheat. If the wind is blowing or the fog comes in the top can be quite cold. Be prepared with layers of clothing. See below for what to bring.

Most people who walk or hike regularly take 90 minutes to reach the top. People who don't hike regularly may not make it at all.

WHAT TO BRING:
headlamp
warm sweater
windbreaker,
knit hat and
light gloves.
a liter of water or gatorade equivalent
Snacks
Camera, tripod, film/memory cards, extra battery

MAPS:
See the East Bay Regional Parks District Map (https://www.ebparks.org/files/EBRPD_files/brochure/mission_peak_map.pdf) (in PDF format). There are usually maps at the trailhead, too, but it is pretty easy to make your way as it is all open. I will have a few extra maps, too.

DIRECTIONS:
Take 680 to Mission Boulevard. Park on Mission Boulevard in front of Ohlone College near Anza Pine Street. The trail head is near a large sign that reads "Attention Hikers" down Anza Pine Street.

The trail from the top:
https://farm3.static.flickr.com/2064/2342029667_1caeebd9a6.jpg (https://www.flickr.com/photos/steventheamusing/sets/72157606505249718/)