We hiked this peak with kids (9 & 7) so it was important for us to break it up over a few days. We started at Sunol Visitors Center and spent the first night at the Sunol backpackers camp. We hiked to the top of Rose Peak on day 2 and stayed at Maggie’s 1/2 Acre camp that night, hiking out day 3. Things got a little chilly toward the top of the mountain- so be sure to bring layers! It was quite a trek with backpacks, but saw plenty of people day hiking this one. Definitely glad we did this trail during cooler weather- not a lot of shade on the trail. Lots of cows, and cow pies along the way. Expansive views of San Jose to San Francisco.