Rising steeply to the east behind Fremont, Mission and Monument peaks create a stunning backdrop to the South Bay, forming part of the East Bay Regional Park District. Mission Peak is often considered one of the Bay Area’s most underrated summits, drawing outdoor enthusiasts and their dogs to explore its rugged beauty. The determined hiker who reaches its summit will be rewarded with breathtaking panoramic views of Mount Hamilton to the south, the Santa Cruz Mountains to the west, Mt. Tamalpais to the north, and Mt. Diablo and the Sierra Nevada to the northeast.

The round trip to the summit typically takes about five hours, so pack plenty of water and snacks for both you and your dog. Mission Peak encompasses 2,999 acres, accessible from a staging area at the east end of Stanford Avenue in Fremont, which features a steep climb to the summit, or from parking lots at Ohlone College, offering a more gradual ascent. The preserve also provides a beautiful two-mile regional trail leading south to Monument Peak and onward into Ed Levin County Park in Santa Clara County. This trail is part of a larger Ridge Trail being developed to encircle San Francisco Bay, making it a wonderful option for adventurous hikers looking to explore the area further.

Dogs are welcome at Mission Peak, and you’ll see plenty of them on the trails. Keep your dog leashed at all times to ensure their safety and the safety of wildlife. The park is open from 7 a.m. to dusk, and parking is available for a small fee. Weather conditions can shift quickly up here, so come prepared for sudden changes in temperature and precipitation—I’ve seen fog roll in fast enough to cut visibility down to a few feet. On clear days though, those views from the top make the steep work on the way up feel entirely worth it. Bring a good amount of water; the exposed ridges offer little shade, and both you and your dog will need regular breaks.