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

Mount Saint Helena
Barbara

Tale of two hikes

Foggy start to our hike along the lush single track trail. Once we started up the barren fire road the sun broke out and provided

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Mount Saint Helena
Scott

Above the Clouds

Even though weather conditions didn't allow for the traditional long-distance views from the peak the rolling fog and clouds provided a unique and memorable experience. 

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Mount Saint Helena
Roline Negre

Mt St Helena hike

Its a good 11 miles round trip from the trailhead to peak and back. Beautiful 360 degrees view at the top.

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Mission Peak
Patricia Baker

Night time Hike

Cold night time hike, but beautiful view at the top!  Great time to go to beat the crowds!

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Mount Diablo
Jenny Penny

Mount Diablo

My 1st Six Pack of Peaks peak of the year!  I usually put this one off so I decided to start here this year!  Great

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PREVIOUS YEARS:

2020 Hike Logs  |  Finishers
2019 Hike Logs  |  Finishers
2018 Hike Logs  |  Finishers

AZ Winter 20% off early-bird rate ends in

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