Mission Peak Hike
2,517 ft | California
6.2 mi round trip
2,100 ft
5 hr
Strenuous
Mission Peak Hike at a Glance
The Mission Peak hike via the Mission Peak via Hidden Valley Trail is 6.2 mi round trip with 2,100 ft of elevation gain, about 5 hr of hiking.
| Summit elevation | 2,517 ft |
|---|---|
| Trail | Mission Peak via Hidden Valley Trail |
| Distance | 6.2 mi round trip |
| Elevation gain | 2,100 ft |
| Hiking time | About 5 hr |
| Difficulty | Strenuous |
| Route last checked | October 25, 2026 |
Your time: about 3 h 5 min of moving time at Naismith pace (3 mph plus 1 hour per 2,000 ft climbed); about 3 h 55 min at a relaxed pace. A 160 lb hiker with a daypack burns roughly 1,760 kcal.
Adjust for your pace and breaks →Route line not shown. The 6.2 mi distance and 2,100 ft of gain for this hike are verified (modernhiker.com), but we don't yet have a trail track we trust, so the map shows only the destination. Carry an official map.
About Mission Peak
Mission Peak rises to 2,517 feet in California. The Mission Peak via Hidden Valley Trail covers 6.2 miles round trip (out-and-back) with about 2,100 feet of elevation gain — gentle grades, but the mileage is what makes it a Strenuous outing.
Getting There
It's roughly 180 miles southwest of Reno, Nevada. Parking: Stanford Ave Staging Area. Fee: Free. Cell service is often unreliable once you leave the highway.
When to Go
Spring through fall is the main season. Conditions change fast in the shoulder months — check a point forecast for the summit, not the nearest town, before you commit.
Know Before You Go
The Strenuous rating comes from the National Park Service difficulty formula, which weighs total distance against elevation gain. Most hikers should budget about 5 hours of moving time; add margin for breaks, photos and the descent. Download the GPX track from this page before you go — a saved route works offline in any GPS app, and cell coverage is unreliable in the mountains. Conditions change: verify current access, closures and weather with the official land manager before you go. Trail data is sourced from East Bay Regional Park District.
Frequently Asked Questions
How long does it take to hike Mission Peak?
The Mission Peak via Hidden Valley Trail is 6.2 miles round trip with about 2,100 feet of elevation gain, and most hikers take roughly 5 hours of moving time. Add time for breaks and conditions — winter or wet weather can double the trip.
How hard is the Mission Peak hike?
It's rated Strenuous using the National Park Service difficulty formula (6.2 miles round trip, 2,100 ft of gain — about 340 ft of climbing per mile). The elevation profile on this page shows exactly where the steep sections fall.
Are dogs allowed on the Mission Peak trail?
Rules vary by land manager — national parks often prohibit dogs on trails, while most national forests allow them on leash. Check with the managing agency for this trail before bringing your dog, and pack out waste.
When is the best time to hike Mission Peak?
Late May through October for snow-free hiking. Check a summit point forecast before you go — conditions up high differ from the trailhead.
How tall is Mission Peak?
Mission Peak stands at 2,517 feet (767 meters) in California.
Safety Information
Current Hazards
- Normal hiking conditions
- Check weather before departure
Turn-Around Time
3:00 PM
Plan to reach the summit by this time to allow safe descent before dark.
Essential Gear Checklist
* Critical items - do not hike without these
Emergency Contacts
Emergency / Search & Rescue
911Summit Forecast
NWS Point Forecast →In most of the US, backcountry search and rescue is dispatched through 911 — tell the operator you have a hiker emergency and your GPS coordinates.
Downloads
Sources for The Mission Peak Guide
Route last checked October 25, 2026.
- Verified against
- modernhiker.com
- Distance
- modernhiker.com
- Elevation
- Open-Meteo (Copernicus 30 m DEM)
Conditions change. Check the land manager for closures, fees and weather before you go.
Nearby Peaks
Explore other mountains near Mission Peak. Great for peak-bagging or planning your next adventure.
Bridalveil Fall
4,000 ft
Lower Yosemite Fall
3,975 ft
Upper Yosemite Fall
6,526 ft
Sentinel Dome & Taft Point
8,122 ft
Peak Bagging Tip
Bridalveil Fall is only 123 miles away. Consider combining these peaks for a bigger day or overnight trip!
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