Mission Peak #24: Heat, Hustle & a Deer Surprise

Snuck in Mission Peak #24 before Fremont turned into a toaster. Hit the trail at 7AM, and the parking lot was already full but got lucky and grabbed a spot just as someone was leaving.

It was warm from the get-go, and no breeze to be found until I got near the top where the Ohlone Trail merges and finally got some relief. Clear skies, dry hills, and trail conditions were solid despite the heat creeping in. It was definitely a “hydrate or regret it” kind of morning.

Highlight of the day? Spotted a deer! First one I’ve seen on the Mission Peak trails this year. It was chilling just off-trail, perfectly camouflaged in the brush.