Back door hike to Mission Peak

Taking this less traveled route up to Mission Peak was a delightful option. We completed this challenging hike from the East Bay Parks Trail Challenge and submitted Mission Peak to meet the 6-pack Peak Challenge at the same time.

The overall climb was more gradual coming in this route and we only saw another 5-10 hikers or bikers before the summit.

Up top we enjoyed a reflection and some snacks. We also spent time being overrun by some fog that was a thrilling experience.

Coming down was obviously much easier. The songs of birds followed us all the way up and down. There was a peregrine falcon spotted up top. We saw four turkey vultures up close at the outset and a full blown downy woodpecker party along the way.

Almost not needing to be said was how amazing the panoramic views were from the top in many directions.