Mission Peak
Cows and Free Solo
First hike of the challenge. Saw cows…we joked that the last climb to the peak was a free solo. It was windy and cool. Line
January 17, 2021
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Join the Challenge
The 5th Annual NorCal Six-Pack of Peaks Challenge™ is a self-paced hiking and trail running challenge up six iconic Bay Area mountains.
You choose whether you want to complete them in six days, six weeks, or take the entire year. Set the schedule that works best for you.
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 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.
MOUNT SAINT HELENA – Elevation 4,341′ (1,323 m)
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
MOUNT SIZER – Elevation 3,215′ (980 m)
This hike steeply climbs and descends several ridges. Mount Sizer is the high point in the park along Blue Ridge. This loop is a clockwise loop from park headquarters that ascends “The Shortcut”– often cited as the steepest trail in the Bay Area. Includes an optional side trip to Jackass Peak.
Six-Pack Route Details: Mount Sizer and Jackass Peak
Distance: 16 miles; Vertical +/- 4,400 ft.
ROSE PEAK – Elevation 3,817′ (1,163 m)
This hike through the Ohlone Wilderness travels rugged terrain and rolling green hills, with an optional detour to seasonal Murietta Falls.
Six-Pack Route Details: Hiking Rose Peak
Distance: 20.2 miles; Vertical +/- 4,500 ft.
Latest NorCal Challenge Hike Logs
Mission Peak
January 17, 2021
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Mount Diablo
Mount Diablo on an amazing sunny January day
Beautiful Sunny January day. This accent was challenging. I’d never done this hike before. I was grateful for my hiking poles both up and down.
January 17, 2021
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Mount Tamalpais
First one down – Mt. Tam
Lovely day! Climbed 2226 feet all together by adding the Zig Zag trail. The view from the top was beautiful with the fog coming in
January 16, 2021
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Mount Umunhum
Mt Umunhum
The weather was sunny and warm, but most of the trail was shaded. The trails were very well maintained and there tended to be a
January 16, 2021
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Mount Diablo
Summit We Did!
Summit was the key word of our hike this year. As an alternative to last year's route from Mitchell Canyon we parked at Macedo Ranch
January 16, 2021
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