I live in between Sacramento and Lake Tahoe. I've been hiking my whole life and only recently became aware that there was a Northern California version of the Six Pack of Peaks. I was stoked to hear about it from a friend and get started on them as soon as possible. I have already done several of these peaks in the past but never logged anything about them. I'm looking forward to doing them all again in this challenge and sharing my stories.

I decided to start with Mission Peak.

It was a warm day and i got a late start. This was my first time doing this hike. I was surprised to see a large amount of cars at the trail head, but luckily i found a nice spot in the shade. As soon as i got out of my car to gather my pack i noticed a police unit, 2 paramedic units and a fire unit all parked near the beginning of the trail. As i got my things together a 4wheel drive fire vehicle came down the road with a park official in tow behind it. When they got to the parking lot they let a young women out who was limping. Apparently she had twisted her ankle quite badly and was unable to leave the mountain.

That was the start of my hike.

I knew it would be warm, but i was a bit surprised how arid it felt. The trail was easy to navigate and there was A LOT of people of there. I saw easily 35-40 other people throughout my time at Mission.

The hike felt strenuous at first to me, and i found myself taking several breaks earlier than expected. I intentionally packed a heavier pack (25lbs) and brought extra water in case anyone on the trail was in serious need. About half way through my trek up i fell into a nice rhythm and didn't have to take anymore breaks until near the summit. The hike up had incredible, if not smokey, views of the bay area. I was very focused on making good time though as i had started my hike at 5:30pm and wanted to be back at the parking lot as early before 9pm as i could be.

The last stretch to the summit takes a little more effort than the rest of the hike. I enjoyed that part the most because it involved climbing over some very cool rock structures.

The summit was magnificent. As i arrive i could see the sun slowly falling into the west and beginning to create “the Golden Hour”.
There was probably around 9-12 other people on the summit at any given time while i was up there. Everyone was very friendly and social. The views kept spirits high, and the steady breeze was a lovely payoff from the heavy heat earlier in the hike.

I took a few photos. An awesome friend i made at the top took a few pictures of me, and i took a few pictures of her before she headed back down.
I stayed at the summit a long time. Too long.

After looking at my watch i realized it was 8:05pm.

I got my things together and started off the top of the peak. At first i just moved at a brisk downhill pace. I kept getting distracted by the gorgeous setting sun, and so i stopped numerous times to snap some photos. Im so glad that i took those photos in retrospect, but at the time i was half cursing myself because i knew i was pushing my time limit.

Long story short, i ran about a mile down the side of Mission Peak to get to my car on time. And i did.
It was a glorious and rewarding hike, roughly 19,000 steps of satisfaction.

P.S. i'd like to mention that i was constantly entertained by the regular animal sittings along the trail. Inquisitive squirrels, gobbling turkeys and other various birds, friendly cows, and plenty of butterflies.