Sunol Regional Wilderness to Mission Peak Regional Preserve

This is a ~10-mile round trip hike I took in July 2010 from Sunol Regional Wilderness, through the San Francisco Water District land, up the eastern face of Mission Peak to the top, and back. Note: The journey is somewhat strenuous and gets quite isolated in the forested areas. If you choose to attempt this hike, it is a good idea to bring friends and ample food/water, clothing/sunblock, flashlight, and a cell phone.

The hike starts at the Sunol Visitor Center, where hikers
are required to purchase an Ohlone Wilderness Trail per-
mit and trail map. At the trail head, sign in.


The first 3 miles of the climb consist of SF Water District
land, which is forested and isolated.


After exiting this section and signing out on the other side,
the forest gives way to grassy hillside.


For the next 2 miles there is a steady climb until the top of Mission Peak. Time and energy management can become an issue, and my legs cramped up at around the 5-mile mark, forcing me to take a 20-minute break before turning back. After recharging my batteries with granola bars and water, it's time to descend Mission Peak, and cross the SF Water District land again (signing in and out again).

By the end of the hike I was exhausted, and had barely finished before sunset. Time to grab dinner, go home and sleep...

Trail: Ohlone Wilderness Regional Trail -- Sunol Visitor Ctr to Mission Peak, 9.25 mi
Difficulty: Moderate to Strenuous (length, unshaded, steep grade, isolation)