Homewood Suites by Hilton Newark Fremont

Mission Peak gets throngs of hikers but only savvy trekkers take this route to the summit -- an eight-mile out-and-back that stretches out the 2,000-foot ascent to the summit (the most-popular route ascends a similar height in a 5.2-mile out-and-back). This gradual route is a less-strenuous option for hiking to the top of the popular East Bay peak. It starts from the parking lot at Ohlone College along Mission Boulevard in Fremont, California. Just one trail -- the aptly named Peak Trail --...

Park Features: This stunning 1,249-acre regional park provides tremendous views from the tops of the East Bay hills. The plateau rises quickly and steeply from the bay plain and towers over one thousand feet above the cities below, overlooking Niles Canyon, Fremont, Union City, Newark and the San Francisco Bay beyond. Atop the plateau a pastoral landscape predominates, and golden eagles, hawks, deer, bobcats, frogs, snakes and a variety of other animals make their home in the open grasslands,...

Enjoy the spectacular views of the South bay as you climb up to Mission Peak. Although steep, the views of the Bay Area are very rewarding. On a clear day hikers can see the skylines of Oakland, San Francisco and San Jose. This is a moderate to strenuous trail with a constant uphill climb until you reach the summit. The trail is a well-maintained gravel base until the last half mile. From this point, the trail is hard-packed dirt and rock. Difficulty can increase during the rainy season when...

A steady climb of more than 1500 feet in just over 3 miles (one way), most of it on the Hidden Valley Trail (a well-graded dirt road) offers views of the entire Bay Area. This is not a trip for hot weather - the out-and-back route offers little shade. Bring extra clothes and a wind shell as this is a mountain environment which can quickly turn hostile. Please be aware that no bicycles are allowed on the single-track part of the Peak Trail.

Trail Highlights: This hike takes you past the Dairy Glen group camping area and out around the base of the hills to provide great views of the bay and the multicolored salt evaporation ponds. Seagulls wheel high above you as you are buffeted by the cool bay air. If you are lucky, you may catch a glimpse of a bald eagle amongst the seagulls, shorebirds, and redwing blackbirds that call the park their home. The trail is mostly flat and much of it is paved, making it a good choice for runners...