Mount Saint Helena
In the clouds
No views at all due to the mist and clouds- but perfect weather for this hike without sun beating down on you. Fire road except
September 18, 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
Mount Diablo
Diablo!
Got a late start (9 AM) today. Still, it was foggy much of the way up. Couldn’t actually see the summit until I was almost
September 18, 2021
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Black Mountain
#3 Black Mountain
The first 1 mile and last 2 miles of this hike were brutally steep! Rest of it was a a gradual incline, and it was
September 18, 2021
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Mission Peak
Mission Peak
It was a great day for a hike – sunny but not too hot. We spotted a tarantula early on and had an easy time
September 17, 2021
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Black Mountain
Black Mountain
Last hike in the challenge. Thought this and Mt Um were the easiest of the six, but still an awesome hike/workout.
September 11, 2021
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