Mission Peak
Mission Peak
a beautiful day for a hike. We arrived early, hiked the ohlone college trailhead. We didn’t encounter too many people until we got closer to
May 2, 2021
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Join the Challenge
The Northern California Six-Pack of Peaks Challenge is a self-guided hiking challenge that takes you up six iconic Bay Area mountains. You can complete the hikes in six months, six weeks or six days. You set the schedule that works best for you.
The hikes start easier and work up to longer and more challenging climbs. You can climb them in order as you build your strength and endurance, or mix it up. The choice is yours. Your registration will help support Big City Mountaineers, so you'll be doing good for others with each peak you climb.
Overview Map of the NorCal Winter Six-Pack of Peaks Challenge
The Peaks of the NorCal Six-Pack of Peaks Challenge
MOUNT UMUNHUM – Elevation 3,486′ (1,063 m)
The peak was long off limits, but after a major cleanup operation removed almost all of an abandoned air force station, it was opened to the public in 2017. The hike uses a purpose-built singletrack trail that switchbacks up to the summit.
Suggested Six-Pack Route Details: Hiking Mount Umunhum
Distance: 7.4 miles; Vertical +/- 1,150 ft.
MISSION PEAK – Elevation 2,517′
Mission Peak offers views that extend from San Jose to Mount Tamalpais. There are several trailheads that will take you to the summit, including the popular Stanford Avenue Staging Area, highly recommended Ohlone College, and the longer Bay Area Ridge Trail route beginning at Ed Levin County Park.
Suggested Six-Pack Route Details: Stanford Avenue Staging Area to Mission Peak
Distance: 6.2 miles; Vertical +/- 2,517 ft.
BLACK MOUNTAIN – Elevation 2,786′
Black Mountain is a great vantage point, both to see Silicon Valley, as well as the Pacific Ocean on a clear day! It's quite popular with hikers and mountain bikers and has a handful of approaches. Some can be quite peaceful, with a bit of advance planning!
Most popular route: Ranch San Antonio Preserve
Distance: 12 miles; Vertical +/- 3,200 ft.
Alternate route: Rhus Ridge Trail (limited parking)
Distance: 9 miles; Vertical +/- 2,500 ft.
MOUNT SAINT HELENA – Elevation 4,341′ (1,323 m)
New for 2019, this 4,341′ peak in the Mayacamas mountains is the tallest in the NorCal Six-Pack, and one of the few mountains in the Bay Area to actually receive snowfall in the winter.
Suggested Six-Pack Route Details: Hiking Mount Saint Helena
Distance: 10 miles; Vertical +/- 2,100 ft.
MOUNT DIABLO – Elevation 3,849′ (1,173 m)
This summit provides some of the best views in the Bay Area. On a clear day, you can see the Golden Gate Bridge and even the Farallon Islands beyond. To the east, the Sierra Nevada Range. There is a line-of-sight with the summit of Half Dome in Yosemite.
Suggested Six-Pack route: Hiking Mount Diablo via Mitchell Canyon Visitor Center
Distance: 13.2 miles; Vertical +/- 3,274 ft.
MOUNT TAMALPAIS – Elevation 2,572′ (784 m)
This loop trail from Stinson Beach to the summit of Mt Tamalpais is a good choice for a summer hike since it can start in a cool morning fog along the coast. After hiking 8 miles and over 3000 vertical feet, you'll find yourself on the summit of a mountain with a fire lookout tower.
Six-Pack Route Details: Hiking Mount Tamalpais
Distance: 16 miles; Vertical +/- 3,200 feet
Latest NorCal Challenge Hike Logs
Mission Peak
Mission Accomplished
Arrived early (a little after 7am). Generous parking in the lot at the college. The hike was beautiful and challenging. This early in the morning
May 2, 2021
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Mount Diablo
Mount Diablo
Our hike started with cool weather which was perfect. We started at the Mitchell Canyon staging area. Our group climbed up 7.5 miles on the
May 2, 2021
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Mount Umunhum
Oops! We picked the wrong lot!
Great hike today. Parked in a lower lot unexpectedly and decided to go head and go for the longer hike. Well worth it! Great temps
May 2, 2021
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Mount Diablo
Succumbing to Diablo Mt.
Finally got a chance to reach the Mt. Diablo Summit by foot over bike this trip. Our crew all wished we had bikes upon reaching
May 2, 2021
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