Trail Map of Horse Heaven Trail to Mission Peak

Difficult: 6.0 miles, Half day

Overview: Mission Peak, one of the most popular East Bay hikes, is a great workout with 2,000 feet of climb in two miles and spectacular views of San Francisco Bay and the Diablo Range once you reach the summit.

Most hikers are content to take the so-called Hidden Valley Trail (which is neither hidden nor in a valley) to the summit, but there is a far more rewarding path to the top along the Horse Heaven Trail. Horse Heaven is a steep single-single track that attracts far fewer hikers and offers far more solitude than the standard up-and-back everyone else takes. Who wants to hike with everyone else?

Tips: This is a strenuous hike -- be sure you're up for it.

Footing is tricky near the summit.

You might see a rattlesnake; if so, give it plenty of room and don't provoke it.

The cattle are harmless, as long as you give them plenty of room and don't spook them.

What to bring:
Sunscreen (there's very little shade).
Lots of water, especially in summer.
A windbreaker for the summit: it can be extremely gusty up there.
Hiking poles can ease the strain on your knees on the return trip.